Robert Alwin Dwilis

Robert Alwin Dwilis, 80, of Griswold, CT passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the W.W. Backus Hospital, Norwich, CT after a short battle with colon cancer and post-Covid respiratory complications.

He was born July 5, 1945 in Brooklyn, NY, son to the late Alwin Charles Dwilis and Arlean Beverly (Smidt) Dwilis. He attended Griswold High School in Jewett City, CT and graduated in 1963.

Robert was a proud U.S. Army Veteran having served in the Vietnam War with a tour in the Dominican Republic. He served for 2 years and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

He married Janice (Tanner) Laska in 1970 and had a daughter named Leigh. He later divorced in 1976 but remained a dedicated, involved and loving father to Leigh. Robb pursued a career with SNET for over 31 years as a public service technician/phone installation/repairman. In his earlier years, he was the DJ at the Bach Dor Cafe in Chaplin, CT and made many lifelong friends there. He was also the first mate on his good friend's charter boat named Playin'Hooky, catching shark and tuna. In his retired years, because of his passion for the ocean and sea life, Robb volunteered at the Mystic Aquarium guiding school children on field trips. Robb told those close to him that his greatest accomplishment was putting his daughter through college.

Robert lived in Griswold most of his life enjoying the serenity of the forest and spent his free time boating and fishing on his boat the Lite Leigh in the Long Island Sound. He also enjoyed skiing and scuba diving and shared these activities with his daughter. He had a passion for nature, animals and science and was a member of various wildlife organizations. He loved to share his knowledge with all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter, Leigh Dwilis of Las Vegas, NV and a niece Beverly (Dwilis) Lewis of St. Augustine, FL and her daughters Journey, Payton and Brynleigh Lewis. He is also survived by many beloved cousins who live in New England. He will be missed dearly by many friends such as Debra Flagg and his cousin Jeanne Baron. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a younger brother, Dennis Dwilis, whom he loved dearly.

Robert was cremated and a veteran's memorial service will be held in May 2026 at Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home in Jewett City, CT. More details will be forthcoming on their website in regards to dates.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Alwin Dwilis, please visit our floral store.