Robert Allen Gatzen, 74, of Newington, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2023, after living nine years with Alzheimer’s disease. He was the husband of Joann Carter and was born on March 23, 1949, in West Hartford. He graduated from Conard High School in 1967 and started playing drums as a teenager. He studied at the Hartt School of Music and decided not to be a touring professional. He opened his Creative Music percussion store in Wethersfield and grew it into the premier percussion shop in CT.

Bob Gatzen retired from business life and dedicated himself to other percussion interests, conducting R&D for multiple companies from his home studio. He held patents for designs of drums, components, sticks, cymbals, and pedals, and invented the Drum Frame, a unique system to mount a drum set and seat. He also introduced the education START program, which aimed to instill innovation in students.

Rip Bob Gatzen I posted this pix before I found from old days but he passed away today he was such a driving force in the drum industry from creative music in ct. I took @mattsorum there The clinic was in the basement and at the end Matt stood up and raised his hands and he went thru the roof Me and Bob laughed so hard also fun times at Pas show as well He invented the emad kick head too And so many products fir other companies as well And the crazy rack he did it was tilted back he told me to try it I sat in it And lowered my zipper of my pants We laughed so hard I told him to sell it in strip clubs On. Serious note he would help you with anything he did not have. Bad bone in his body . He went up to heaven to be with his wife Joanne Who also was great Rip my friend you are part of drum history and will be deeply missed

Bob and Joann were devoted dog owners, starting with two Old English Sheepdogs and later moving to two Tibetan Terriers. They were active in training and showing their pets in local competitions. They were also Disney lovers, visiting Disney World several times each year.

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Bob’s funeral will be handled by the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home in West Hartford, and he will be interred in a private ceremony at West Meadow Cemetery in Newington. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or an organization of the donor’s choice.

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