Robert James “Bob” “Rocky” Tomlinson, age 81 of Washington, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at New Milford Hospital with his loving wife Linda by his side. He was the husband and best friend of Linda McGarr with whom he shared over 30 years of love and happiness. Robert was born on June 1, 1945 in Waterbury, son of the late Lucius and Mary (Hennessey) Tomlinson.

Rocky was raised in Naugatuck, graduating from Naugatuck High School where he was the manager of many sports teams which he enjoyed very much. Five days after graduating from High School he went into the US Marine Corps Paris Island where he did Infantry Training and radio school. Then onto Fort Benning, GA for jump school with the 173rd Army Unit earning his gold wings. Bob was very proud serving in the 1st Anglico Airborne Unit spending a couple of years in Hawaii preparing for his 13-month tour in Vietnam. Serving in many other locations during his years in the US Marine Corps.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven and dedicated more than 27 years to serving the State of Connecticut as a State Trooper. During his distinguished career, he earned the nickname “Rocky” and proudly served as the Washington Resident State Trooper for 20 years. Which included a K9 unit early on in this police career. He continued on to be part of the 18-month program offered to retirees serving as Investigator Sex Offender Registry Enforcement Unit. Retiring in 1994 as Sgt.

Rocky’s commitment to his community extended far beyond his law enforcement career. He served as the Emergency Management Director for the Town of Washington. He also served as a Director of Emergency and Community Services in Washington and served on board and commissions in the Town and Community, Connecticut Chiefs of Police Association, Connecticut Fire Police Association, Litchfield County Dispatch, Litchfield Hills/NW Public Safety Task Force Instructor, FEMA, NIMS, ICS, CERT, Amateur Radio Emergency Services, D.A.R.E. Program, Substitute Teacher, and the Parks and Recreation Board. Rocky was not ready for retirement and went on to work as a Driving School Instructor, School Bus Safety Inspector, 10 years at American Red Cross of Western CT as Director of Emergency and Community Services (during 9/11), Security for Region #12 School System. He worked for Gardaworld Security at Kimberly-Clark in New Milford up until his passing.

A proud patriot and veteran of the United States Marine Corps First Anglico Unit, and Connecticut Trooper to the core. No matter how big or small the need Rocky was there to help. Throughout his life, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his country, his profession, and the community he proudly served. Whether wearing the uniform of a Marine, Connecticut State Trooper, emergency management official, CT Fire Police Association, crisis intervention, FEMA, D.A.R.E. instructor, LEPC, canine officer, Red Cross or strategic planning, he was known for his dedication, leadership, and willingness to help others. His service touched countless lives, and his legacy of courage, community, and compassion will not be forgotten.

Rocky was the loving father of Stacey (Sean Hardy) Tomlinson-Lederer of Lynchburg, VA; Scott (Brynn) Tomlinson of Naples, FL; Step-Children- Gene (Rebecca) Swanson of Washington; Katelyn McGarr of Paris, France and Sara McGarr of Torrington. He also leaves his cherished grand-children Reese and Ona, and Scarlet and Owen; his sister, Ellen Tomlinson-Smith of Freemont, MI; one nephew and two nieces.

Friends, family and colleagues are welcome to attend Bob’s Celebration of Life on Sunday November 8, 2026 at 11AM at American Legion, Gage Zumpf Post 87, 6 Bryan Hall Plaza, Washington Depot, CT 06794, with a luncheon will follow. The Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home of Naugatuck is assisting with his arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 87 or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org. To leave online condolences for his family, please visit www.fordfh.com