Carnival & Fair Buzz

Robert “Bob” William Commerford, 94, passed away on July 27, 2026. He was born on May 21, 1932, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to the late Francis and Helen (née Kudlinski) Commerford. Although the family primarily called Waterbury, Connecticut, home, they also lived for a short time in Newburgh, New York.

As a young boy, Bob worked alongside his father at the family's Community Bakery in Waterbury. When he was just twelve years old, his father bought him his first horse, sparking what would become a lifelong love of horses.

Bob proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed at Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia. Following his military service, he returned home and continued pursuing his interest in horses and the outdoor amusement industry.

Bob soon began buying and selling ponies and eventually purchased his first Shetland pony hitch. His career in the outdoor amusement industry began at the Danbury State Fair, where he proudly drove the Shetland pony hitch in the daily parade. Through this work, Bob met people from around the world, and those experiences fueled his growing fascination with exotic animals. What began with a single camel eventually grew into a renowned traveling menagerie featuring elephants, giraffes, antelope, monkeys, and many other animals.

Bob established his business in Wolcott, Connecticut, where it flourished until 1977. When his business partner, David Shea, decided to pursue other opportunities, Bob assumed sole ownership and moved the operation to his beloved home in Goshen, Connecticut. There, he officially renamed the company R.W. Commerford & Sons, a business that would become one of the most respected names in the industry.

Throughout his career, Bob traveled across the country with his animals, appearing at state and county fairs, television commercials, films, and special events. He was a familiar and beloved presence at The Big E, the largest fair on the East Coast and one of the largest fairs in the nation. His animals also appeared at Radio City Music Hall, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and in an advertising campaign for a major fashion house.

Bob was deeply committed to the outdoor amusement community. He was an active member of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA), where he formed countless lifelong friendships with fellow professionals representing carnivals, circuses, fairs, and mobile food and game concessions throughout the country.

Despite his many accomplishments, Bob found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved working in the popcorn trailer, selling cotton candy and candy apples, driving the pony hitch, and spending time mowing the lawn. Above all else, however, his greatest pride and most treasured accomplishment was his family.

Bob shared forty-five years of marriage with his beloved wife, Barbara Commerford. He was proud to work alongside his sons and daughters-in-law, William “Billy” Commerford (Darlene) of Goshen and Tim Commerford (Margaret) of Torrington, helping build the family business together. He is also survived by his devoted daughter, Patricia Smith of Torrington, whose loving care and unwavering support over the past twenty-four years meant the world to him. She was truly his biggest fan.

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Samantha Guastella Nugent (Rory) of Chicago, Bobby Commerford of Torrington, and Danielle Commerford (fiancé Anthony) of Torrington. Bob was the proud great-grandfather of Connolly, Rory, and Lukas Nugent of Chicago, and Jackson Commerford of Torrington. He also shared a special bond with his nephew, Gerard “Jerry” Dziel, who worked alongside him in the family business for many years.

Bob is survived by his sisters, Barbara Nolan of California, Marilyn Wright (Herbert) of Goshen, and Marlene Andrusia of Plainville, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law, Fran Nolan and Ron Andrusia.

Bob was a man of deep faith who found strength and solace in attending Mass throughout his life.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bob's life. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 3, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Thurston Rowe Funeral Home, 283 Torrington Road, Litchfield. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, August 4, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church, 71 North Street in Goshen.

Bob's legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the business he built with passion and determination, the friendships he cultivated across the country, and the countless memories he created for generations of fairgoers whose lives he touched with his extraordinary love of animals.

To send the family an online expression of sympathy, kindly visit www.thurstonrowefuneralhome.com.