Obituary of Robert Elzo Athay

Robert Elzo Athay (88), died peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2014, at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, CT. Robert was born November 23, 1925 in Smithfield, Utah, the fifth of six children born to Henry Elzo Athay and Mabel Jacques Athay. He married Helen Welch on April 2, 1948. Robert served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war, he earned degrees in economics from Utah State University (B.A.), Vanderbilt University (M.A.) and American University (Ph.D.). He worked as an economist for numerous agencies of the federal government, including several years on the Navy War College faculty in Newport, RI. Robert was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served for over 15 years in the Washington, DC and Boston temples. He also served as Bishop of the Newport Ward of the church, and Counselor to the President of the Hingham, MA Stake. Robert is survived by his children, Robert (Ellie) Athay of Fredericksburg, VA, Lawrence (Sherri) Athay of Essex, CT and Alyce (Bill Croasdale) Athay of Wakefield, RI; his grandchildren, Jared, Rachel, David (Cheryl), Michael (Kaela), and Lauren Athay; his great-granddaughter, Amelia Athay; and his brother, R. Grant (Twila) Athay of Provo, UT. He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen; his brothers, Wayne, Dean, and James Athay and his sister, Myrtle Athay. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 16, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 177 Miantonomi Avenue, Middletown, RI. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:45. Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park in Middletown, RI.