Robert J. Huhtanen

Robert J. Huhtanen, 77, husband of Kathleen (Sullivan) Huhtanen of West Hartford, died Sunday, January 5, 2014, at his home. Born in Burlington, VT, the son of the late Hugo and Ruth (Jacobs) Huhtanen, he made his home in Windsor before moving to West Hartford 10 years ago. Robert earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Bridgewater State College in Bridgewater, MA and a Master’s Degree from Clark University in Worcester, MA where he continued his graduate coursework. He was very proud of his Finnish heritage and founded and operated The Finn Company, a successful property management company. He was the former President and Treasurer of the Community Associations Institute and an influential board member at the Westbury Condominium. Bob was an avid reader, enjoyed spending time at his summer home at Red River Beach in South Harwich, MA where he worked tirelessly on his magnificent gardens. Bob especially loved spending time with his grandchildren (who called him Pop) sharing time at Red Sox Games and cheering on his beloved UCONN Women Huskies. Besides his wife of 52 years, he is survived by his 4 children, Karen Huhtanen of West Hartford, Mary Anne Huhtanen of Fairfield, Kassie Huhtanen and her partner Leslie Cunningham of Enfield, Elizabeth Savluk and her husband Victor of Newington; his five grandchildren, Zachary, Jordan, Tyler, Jared and Victoria; as well as his sister Ruth Huhtanen of Stockbridge, MA and his brother Kurt Huhtanen of Columbia, MS. He was predeceased by his brothers Frederick and Peter Huhtanen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 10 at 11:00 AM at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Friends and relatives may call on the family on Thursday from 4-7 PM at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Burial is private. Donations in Robert’s name can be made to the Masonicare Partners Home Health & Hospice, www.masonicare.org or to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org. Online expressions of condolences can be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com or on the Fans of Pop Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/FinlandPop