Robert L. Specht

Robert L. Specht, 71, of Hamden, passed away peacefully at Yale New Haven Hospital on July 3, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on October 29, 1953, in Norwalk Hospital, Connecticut, Robert was the son of the late Sidney and Ruth Schwartz Specht. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Nancy Specht; his sister, Janet Dorsey and her husband Gary of Wallingford; nephews, Keith Dorsey and his wife Hayleigh, and William Dorsey; and grand-nephew Callan Dorsey.

Robert grew up in Norwalk and graduated from Norwalk High School. He moved to the New Haven area for his continuing education, attending Paier Art School primarily for photography, and then Southern Connecticut State College (now SCSU) where he earned a BS in Art. There, he focused on photography and glass blowing, though his interests also extended to design. Southern had a full glass-blowing facility led by Peter Pellettieri, an internationally recognized sculptor, and Robert spent many hours immersed in that craft. Robert also became a weaver, apprenticing with Fran Cutrell Rutkowski. He enjoyed activities that required expertise and precision. He established a photography studio in his New Haven apartment before working for 10 years at the Yale University School of Medicine in the Pathology Department, managing the photography department. After Yale, he founded his own graphic arts business, RLS Graphics, primarily working with advertising agencies for major corporate clients.

For several years, Robert was an avid bicyclist. In his 30s, he was involved with the Southern Connecticut Cycling Club. With his characteristic attention to detail, he learned about cycling and bicycles in depth, knowing each component, its weight in grams, and where to find it in the catalog. He built and repaired performance bicycles for himself and his friends. He was a fan of professional cycling during the exciting time when Greg LeMond was still competing, even winning his wife over to watching the Tour de France with him every July. Around the same time, he renewed his interest in playing pool, which he enjoyed very much. After a long gap, he returned to playing pool a few years ago, and it brought him much happiness. A lifelong music enthusiast, Robert found joy in exploring all genres, from classical to contemporary.

Friends are invited to visit with Robert’s family on Monday, July 14, from 4-8 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. To send a condolence, please see the obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.