Robert House

Deacon Robert Kemp House departed this earthly home and took his eternal rest on January 11, 2022. Robert who is affectionately known as “Kemp” was born on February 26, 1954, in Greenville, North Carolina to the late Dorothy Mae House-Ross and Lee House Jr. Robert was a man of strong faith, extremely caring, witty, family-oriented, and a true friend to so many people. Even as a young child, it was evident that Robert was truly one of kind. His zero-tolerance for foolishness earned him so much admiration within the Elm City Community. To his family, he was everything; a gentle giant, adored and well respected. His beaming smile and infectious laugh would always brighten any occasion, leaving a lasting impression on many. Robert was a true gift treasured by his loved ones. The simplest pleasures in life such as hanging out with family, coaching softball and basketball, fishing, singing, and serving in a mentorship capacity within the community brought him great joy. He was known for being outspoken and there was no greater gift that a man like Robert could possess than the gift of always having the last word. Robert received his formal education in Pitt County before relocating to New Haven, Connecticut where he graduated from Wilbur Cross High School. Upon completion of his education, he pursued a career in the United States Air Force where he served his country with an honorable discharge. Robert was a man of many talents and known for being the jack of all trades. He worked for Metro Cab and Winchester Repeating Arms for many years. Prior to his retirement, Robert worked for the City of New Haven for 32 years, where he made a great impact on the lives of many students and families. In 1975, he met the love of his life Mrs. Christine House, formerly Sanders. From the start, he knew that Christine was his soul mate. The two had an unbreakable bond. They were inseparable and have honored the words of their sacred vows before God, which declare, “til death do us part”. He was a devoted father and grandfather. He enjoyed having many conversations with his children and grandchildren. He had such a special love for each of them and made sure they knew just how much he cared for them. In Robert’s eyes, family was always first. He leaves to cherish in memory, his beloved wife Christine House of 41 years, and his children, Tomika Holland (Shawn) of Naugatuck, CT, Terry Dean (Tiffany) of Timberlake, NC, Shakita Pearson (Marcus) of New Haven, CT, and Robert House Jr. (Kat) of West Haven, CT. Three special daughters, Keisha Demp (Vernell) of Arlington, TX, Takia Cranford (Robert) of Waterbury, CT and Dawn Thomas of Concord, NC. His stepmother, Rosie House of West Haven, CT. His sisters: Sandra Shackleford (Darius) of Snow Hill, NC, Eula Barrett (Herbert) of Hamden, CT, Debra Padgett of Upper Marlborough, Maryland, Ruby Blount of Winterville, North Carolina, Mona Hardy of Grimesland, NC, Victoria Covington and Yvonne Salters-Hammonds of West Haven, CT. His brothers: Thomas House (Rose) and Rossi Covington (Angie) of New Haven, CT, John Covington (Sonya) and Marcus Moore (Jescina) of Greenville, NC: Brother-in- Law; Tony Leggette of New Haven, CT. He leaves a special aunt that became a second mother to him, Annie Mae Small of Greenville, NC. A special aunt that was more like his sister; Evangelist Margaret Roach (Danny) of New Haven, CT and a special cousin Jerome Small of Richmond, VA. He also leaves 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Carmen House-Leggette and brother Leon Covington. Robert Kemp House shall forever live in the hearts, minds, and memories of a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren; friends, loved ones, and a community at large.

Robert House

February 26, 1954 - January 11, 2022