Robert John Budnik

Robert John Budnik, 82, of Danbury, CT, passed away peacefully with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 20, 2026, in Danbury, CT.

Robert was born in New Britain, CT to Lucian E. Budnik and Helen Orpik Budnik on January 9, 1944. He attended New Britain High School in New Britain, CT. He married the love of his life, Michaele N. Budnik on August 28, 1965, in Windsor, CT.

Robert graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Political Science and earned a master's degree in education at Western Connecticut State University. He also attained driver's education certification from Southern Connecticut State University.

He started working as a 4th grade teacher at Great Plain School in Danbury. He later taught at the driver’s education program through Danbury High School before transitioning to a 40-year career as a top-producing realtor in the greater Danbury area for DeSoto Real Estate, Coldwell Banker, Century 21 Scalzo, and Westchester Modular Homes. He worked during his retirement years as a driving instructor at Epic Driving School until November 2025.

Robert dedicated years of volunteering at Danbury High School Key Club as an advisor as well as establishing other Key Clubs in area high schools. He was a lifelong member of the Kiwanis Club serving as a Lieutenant Governor. He was a devout Roman Catholic Christian whose generosity touched many people through volunteerism in the community. He supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Covenant House, the sponsorship of less fortunate children across the world, and the Tunnels to Towers Program. His commitment to service earned him multiple awards from the Kiwanis Club and the Salvation Army who recognized him for his volunteerism and devotion to his community.

Robert is preceded in death by his beloved wife Michaele N. Budnik; his parents; Lucian E. Budnik and Helen Orpik Budnik; his stepmother Ruth Budnik; his brother James M. Budnik; his aunt and Uncle Stephen and Celia Dudzik.

Robert is survived by his children, Robert J.. Budnik Jr. and daughter-in-law Renata Budnik, John G. Budnik and daughter-in-law Davi Budnik, Aimee H. Budnik, and Jeffrey S. Budnik.

He is also survived by his sister Marleen Grandia and her partner Tony Philpin; his nephew Peter Grandia III; his sister-in-law, Margaret Modzelewski and her husband D. v. Modzelewski; his sister-in-law, Katherine Smith and husband D. v. Smith; his nieces, Molly Burke and Katie Wilkinson; his cousins Bernie and Betty Belliveau, and David Orpik.

Robert loved his family and absolutely adored his 8 grandchildren: Mathew Budnik, Miles Thomas, Ashli Budnik, Sofia Budnik, Kiley Thomas, Michelle Budnik, Luma Budnik, and Grace Thomas. He enjoyed taking them on trips to his Disney World Vacation Club property and hanging at his house watching tv. He loved seeing his family unified and enjoying time together.