Robert "Bob" Sleath
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Robert "Bob" Sleath, 89, formerly of Rochester, VT passed away unexpectedly at the Highland Regional Hospital in Sebring, FL on Sept. 25, 2020.
He was born June 9, 1931 in Hartford, CT; the son of Aubrey Berry Sleath of Sussex, England and Marion (Moore) Sleath of Winstead, CT. Bob was predeceased by his parents, his wife Loretta (Raymond), daughter Vivian, grandson Damian, granddaughter Katy, brother B. Kent Sleath and sister Florence Willis. He is survived by his partner Barbara Squires and her family; sister Betty Farr, his sons Barry (Glenda), Mark (Sharon), Carl (Karin); granddaughters Jenny (Dave), Kara (Brent), Cassandra (Jason); grandsons Corey (Sam), Isaiah and TJ; great-grandchildren Azlyn, Andre, Robert, Neil and Aria; his deceased daughters' partner Greg Price; many cousins, nieces, nephews, Vermont and Florida friends.
After many years of being snowbirds, Bob and Barbara decided to relocate to Florida permanently where they enjoyed many rounds of golf with very dear friends and neighbors Darl and Jo Burdette. Bob grew up in Connecticut on the coast of Old Saybrook, Niantic, and Black Point. He attended schools in New London, CT, graduating from Bulkeley High School in 1951. He served a tour of duty in Korea with the US Air Force. After completing his service in Savannah, GA, he met and married his wife Loretta in Vermont in 1953. After moving to Vermont he attended Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center where he received his diploma in Agriculture in 1956. He also attended the National School of Meat Cutting in Toledo, OH graduating in 1958. After various jobs in Vermont and CT, he started a career with Hawk Mountain Corporation in Pittsfield, VT spanning three decades, building many homes in Pittsfield, Rochester, Stockbridge, and Plymouth, VT. His other career spanning forty years was beekeeping, managing up to fifty hives in Vermont and Florida. He established B&B Honey Farms with is partner Barbara. Many people near and far enjoyed his delicious honey. Bob had various hobbies including hunting, fishing, sailing, gold panning, square dancing, and golfing. He spent many hours in the woods hunting for ginseng throughout Central Vermont. He enjoyed trips to Europe and going on many river cruises with his partner.
Bob's funeral service will be at 2:00p, Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Rochester. This will be an outside informal service. Masks will be required and social distancing will be observed. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Kidney Foundation or BeeKeepers Association all of Vermont. Online condolences may be left at www.dayfunerals.com. Arrangements are by the Day Funeral Home in Randolph.