Robert Benjamin Fishman, 68, of West Hartford, loving husband, father, and grandfather died suddenly on Saturday, January 11, 2014. Born in Hartford, the son of Maybelle and Herman Fishman. Bob was a life-long resident of West Hartford. He attended Hebrew Academy, Conard High School and graduated Boston University with a degree in Engineering. He married Hedyth (Arm) Fishman on November 19, 1972 in Israel, where he worked as an engineer. They moved back to West Hartford in 1974. Bob was the founder and CEO of Rentown Inc. for 25 years and had 14 stores over 3 states. He sold his Rentown Inc. and founded The Fishman Group, a commercial mortgage lending company, for the last 10 years. Bob was a lifelong member of Emanuel Synagogue, an active board member of the Bess and Paul Sigel Hebrew Academy, Hartford Jewish Federation, and Hartford JCC. Bob supported many causes dear to his heart and believed that those fortunate enough should give generously. He lived life to the fullest, always with a sense of humor. He enjoyed traveling, sports, and all adventures big and small. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his beloved wife Hedyth, son and daughter-in-law Daniel and Ashlee Fishman, daughter and son-in-law Monica and David Iankelevich, 4 beloved grandchildren, Samuel, Mia, Oscar and Isaac. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Arthur and Helene Fishman, brother and sister-in-law Edward and Eve Fishman, sister-in-law Sylvia Mandel, and many nieces and nephews. Bob will be dearly missed by his large family and many friends.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 14th at Emanuel Synagogue, West Hartford at 11:00 AM. The family will receive relatives and friends at Emanuel Synagogue following interment in the Emanuel Synagogue Cemetery, Wethersfield. Shiva will be observed from 5:30-8:30 PM, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at his home in West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob’s name can be made to The Hebrew Academy, Emanuel Synagogue, or charity of the donor’s choice. For further information and directions, please visit www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm.