Robert Kaigle

Robert E. Kaigle, 95, of South Burlington, VT died Thursday November 26, 2020 at the Respite House after a brief illness. Bob was born on January 5, 1925 to Leo and Slyvia (Pariseau) Kaigle. Bob served in the Navy in WWII from 1943-1945 and was part of the Advanced Amphibious Forces stationed in England. He followed the English Army advance to Bremerhaven, Germany. He was again called to duty and commissioned to the USS Albuquerque in 1950 and fought in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He was a Gunnar’s Mate Third Class and proud to serve his country. Following the Korean War, Bob worked for the 7UP bottling company as well as Colodny’s and the Grand Union Supermarket as a Produce Manager. After this Bob found his passion in life working for the MFC Dorn Coca Cola Bottling Company of Burlington. He started out as a Truck delivery sales person. Despite attaining an 8th grade education (due to the Great Depression), Bob proudly worked his way into the General Sales Manager position. With an extremely strong worth ethic and dedication second to none, he and his team took Coke over the 1Million case sales plateau during his tenure. Bob would never ask anyone to do anything he would not do himself. Bob’s second passion in life was fishing. He, and, various buddies over the years took their fair share of Lake Champlain’s perch and other fish. Whether boating or weathering Vemont’s cold while ice fishing, he would always come back with a big smile with his catch. In addition, Bob was an avid Boston Bruins fan and spent countless hours later in life following his Bruins. Bob had a large extended family of children, grand children, and great grand children. He enjoyed spending time with them in family gatherings and holidays. He will be remembered with love and will be dearly missed. Dad was also a communicant of St. John Vianney in South Burlington and very devout in his Catholic Faith. Bob is survived by his children; his son Robert and wife Nickolett Kaigle of South Burlington, VT. and his daughter, Darlene and husband Mike Zeno of Colchester, VT. He is also survived by a sister Beatrice of Oklahoma. He leaves behind many grandchildren, Dr. Allie Kaigle Mobley, Derek Kaigle, Heath Zeno, Lyndsey Graham, David Covillion, Sherry Cross, Kathy Bessette, Robert Covillion and Darlene Simard. He was predeceased by his first wife of 48 years, Rita (Savard) Kaigle of Winooski, VT. He was also predeceased, by his second wife of 16 years, Thelma (Bessette) Kaigle of South Burlington, VT. He was predecessed by his sister, Theresa, and brothers, George, Armand, Leonard, Rene, Gerald and Roger. He was also predeceased by his grandson, Scott Covillion. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Linda Covillion. He leaves behind 9 great grandchildren as well as 7 great great grandchildren. He is also survived by 3 sisters-in-law Anita Valley of Winooski, Monica Kaigle and Anne Kaigle of Burlington. Due to Covid, there will be no visiting hours. There will be a private mass and military burial at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being made by LaVigne Funeral Home of Winooski, VT. We would like to thank the staff at Allen Harbor, Green Mountain Nursing Home and the McClure Respite house. We would also like to give special thanks to Eric Adu for caring for and being dad’s friend. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be make to the McClure Miller Respite House, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT. 05446.