Bobby Lee Highsmith was born, September 2, 1948, in New Haven, Connecticut to Willie and Ernestine Highsmith.
He grew up in East Haven, Connecticut. After graduating high school, Bobby enlisted in the US Marine Corp. in 1968 to honorably service his Country. After training at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, Bobby was shipped off to Vietnam. During this time, Bobby earned, and was awarded with various Ribbons, Citations and Awards.
Bobby was Honorably discharged in 1969 and returned home. What once was referred to by terms such as “shell shock,” the full impact of this diagnosis has become much clearer in the decades following the Vietnam war and is now said to be PTSD.
Bobby lived at home for years following his discharge, but because of the severity of his diagnosis, Bobby was moved to the Veterans Administration in West Haven, CT, where he would call home for the next 20 years.
Bobby passed away on January 16, 2024, in the VA Hospital, in West Haven.
He leaves behind his brother Willie (Linda) Highsmith, Jr., brother Donnell (Carlis) Highsmith, sister Linda Highsmith; sister Carol Highsmith; sister Barbara Lumpkin and brother David (Gretchen) Highsmith. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews, Zulema Highsmith, Nicholl Montgomery, Tamara (Museveni) Akanno, Jason (Gia) Lumpkin, Justin Montgomery, Alexandria Highsmith, Bethanie Highsmith, Marquies Highsmith and Maurice Highsmith and many VA family and friends.
He was predeceased by this father, Willie James Highsmith, Sr. (2004), mother, Ernestine Highsmith (2022) and brother John Highsmith (2021).
A celebration of Bobby’s life and legacy will be held Friday, January 26, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight St., New Haven. Viewing well be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Burial in Evergreen Cemetery, 769 Ella T. Grasso Blvd., New Haven.
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You lived a life full of pain. You were lost , not sure which road to travel. You found some peace when you made the Veteran’s Hospital your home. Now you have come to the end of your journey. God is there for you. Rest in peace, Bobby. I love you!
TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF BOBBY LEE HIGHSMITH I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS . SIR, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE . YOU ARE A HERO. I HOPE YOU REST IN PEACE BOBBY LEE . GOD BLESS YOU.
Willie and family of Bobby Lee. Please accept my condolences for the loss of a Vietnam veteran and hero. May he rest in peace. You were a neighbor during our school years and consider you a FRIEND!
I’m so happy that I was able to be there for you, especially in your last few years. While I knew the time was coming for you to lay down to sleep, I just kept hoping that I would have just one more day. Thank you for your service my brother, you will always be my Hero! Rest in Peace.
Our condolences from the Bogerty-Bryant family may God wrap his arms around your family and give you peace.
To the entire Highsmith Family: Thoughts and prayers at the passing of Bobby. I, along with my 3 brothers grew up in Maplevale, and knew the Highsmiths, growing up during those “easy early days”. May He rest in Pease.
Vin Costanzo EHHS Class of “68”.
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Bobby, and offer my most sincerest condolences to the Highsmith family. We lived next door to each other on Nicholas Drive for many wonderful years. May he rest in peace and may the Lord be your comfort.