Obituary of Robert E. Evans
Robert Ellsworth Evans, aged 81, passed away peacefully at St. Vincent's Medical Center on December 6, 2023 with his wife by his side, after a long illness. He was the beloved husband (57 years) of (Marion) Lynne (June) Evans.
He was born in So. Connellsville, PA. on August 6, 1942 to John and Edna (Campbell) Evans. Together with his sisters Jane (McMullen) and Phyllis (Kimmel) he enjoyed a bucolic 1950s childhood. Bob graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in 1964 with a BS degree in physics and earned a MS degree in applied mechanics at the University of Bridgeport in 1971.
He was a scientist, engineer, inventor, consultant and entrepreneur. Bob spent 33 years with American Cyanamid Company at the Chemical Research Laboratory in Stamford, CT. He was involved in research and development in physical measurements, composite materials and industrial fibers, management and business development. In 1978 he was a recipient of the American Cyanamid Scientific Achievement Award.In 1998, along with his technical associate, Edward Battistelli, he formed Engineered Fibers Technology in Shelton. Their mission was to provide engineered industrial fibers and engineering services specializing in short fibers composites, filtration, non wovens, for a myriad of applications and products. EFT became an industry leader and was highly sought after for their expertise in problem solving and unique innovations. Bob consulted for universities and companies worldwide. He holds 14 U.S. patents in the area of composite and technical fibers and contributed to 20 others. He invented the thermoplastic interleafed composite used as the primary structure of the Boeing 777 and 787. He also contributed to the success of the Hubble Space Telescope. The EFTec nanofibrillated fiber he invented is used in numerous industrial and consumer products. He has authored two books and published numerous technical papers. From 1984-2001 he was an invited lecturer at the MIT summer composites program. Bob reluctantly sold EFT in 2020 and formed Lyntec Consulting/Engineering Company. He remained a contract advisor to EFT. Over the past 5 years he has worked with colleagues on a project for the Department of Defense.
He spent his last good day two weeks ago at his laboratory in Oxford, CT working with his colleagues. Bob is survived by his wife, his beloved son Michael Evans and his wife Chrissy, his sister Phyllis Kimmel, his granddaughter Dakota Barcelos, his nieces and nephews: Michelle, Jodie, Tammy, Kim, Tim, Terry, Nicole, Robbie and Garrett, and honorary niece and nephew, Colleen and Jeff. Also he is survived by his SIL Marjorie Legere (Edward) and BIL Wayne June (Chris). He was predeceased by his beloved son Matthew, his sister Jane McMullen and his best friend, Larry Soisson.
Bob's hobby's included, photography, woodworking and gardening. He loved all animals, fast cars, Pittsburgh sports teams, his Tonkanese cats, folk music, the ocean and the State of Maine. Everything he did he did well, except for cooking. He would burn water and any meat he encountered. He travelled to many countries but never made it to his dream destination of Australia.
Bob wanted to thank certain doctors for the excellent care he received during his 20 month ordeal: Mitchell Dreisman, Jo Ann Passalacqua, Lee Goldstein, and Andrew Cutney. Also the doctors and nurses at St. Vincent's and Gaylord Rehabilitation Hospitals, the Stratford VNA nurses, Davita Dialysis, AMR ambulance service , Stratford Wound Care , Access Rehab (Oxford) and the staff of Walgreen's Pharmacy in Seymour.
He also wanted to thank all of his wonderful friends for their moral support and kindness, too many to mention but you all know who you are, and his kind neighbors at Chatfield Farm in Beacon Falls.
Bob was a kind, brilliant, hardworking man who loved his children and wife and his country with all his heart. He helped many, many people with no thought of reward. He was incredibly generous and STUBBORN. His motto was "I've got to get stuff done". No doubt he is in Heaven, instructing the angels on how to fluff up the clouds.
In lieu of flowers he would appreciate donations to any organization benefiting animals, children, the homeless and veterans.
A Celebration of Life will be held after the holidays at a date to be determined. To leave an online condolence, visit abriola.com.