Obituary: Robert Leon “Bob” Vasseur
August 20, 1932 – March 18, 2024
March 22, 2024 
Robert Leon “Bob” Vasseur. 1932-2024. Courtesy photo
Robert Leon “Bob” Vasseur, 91, died on March 18, 2024, peacefully in the comfort of his family. He was born to Leon and Emma (Gratton) Vasseur on August 20, 1932, on their newly acquired farm on Bragg Hill in Fayston, Vermont.
As a 1950 graduate of Waitsfield High School, Robert earned an academic scholarship to the University of Vermont, but he chose to help work on the family farm. Although he and his brother, Arthur “Sonny”/“Spike” had award-winning dairy cows, they were best known for their delicious maple syrup. Together, they also volunteered making ice at the Skatium for the Valley residents to enjoy.
In 2013, Robert was selected to be part of the WCAX Super Senior segments. He was proud to serve on the Fayston Selectboard for 57 years, was chosen as the 2016 State of Vermont Citizen Planner of the Year, and the Town Hall is named in his honor.
Robert was an avid reader and Boston sports fan, especially his beloved Red Sox. Robert could often be found at the ballfield or hockey rink watching the Vasseur family’s children play sports. He loved his grandchildren most whether it be rocking them to sleep, giving tractor rides, or watching them play together in his living room.
Robert is survived by his wife of 48 years, Gelia (Kennedy); his children Sara Gee (Jessey) and grandson Dalton, Jason (Natalie) and grandsons Aidan and Kaleb, and Jeff (Peggy Lord) and granddaughter Isabella, and a special sister-in-law Mary Kennedy, as well as many nieces and nephews who frequented the farm and sugarhouse.
He was the last surviving sibling in his family and was predeceased by his brothers Adrien, Albert, Ernest, Arthur, and sisters Laura Harrington, Rita Mandigo, and Jeanette Pearce, as well as two nephews, Douglas Vasseur and James Vasseur.
A celebration of Robert’s life will take place on Saturday, May 11, at 1 p.m. at the Robert Vasseur Town Hall. Please bring your choice of food for the grill, a side dish or dessert to share, and your own beverages (no alcohol please). For those who wish, a memorial gift would be appreciated to the start-up of the Vasseur Brothers Scholarship Fund at Mad River Valley Little League, P.O. Box 1562, Waitsfield, VT 05673 or inquiries about electronic donations can be sent to catrina@mrvll.org. This scholarship will provide the opportunity for all children to register and have the equipment they need to play ball.
To send online condolences, please visit perkinsparker.com.