Robert E. Barber

On Saturday July 2, 2022 Robert E. Barber, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away at the age of 81. Robert Barber was a long-time resident of Pownal, Vermont where he resided with the love of his life Rita Barber.

He was born in Bennington, Vermont March 3, 1941. He was the son of the late Morgan and Thelma (Ames) Barber. He received his education in Pownal and attended high school in Williamstown, MA.

He married the former Rita J. Weyers on January 31, 1959 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pownal, VT.

In earlier years Robert was employed at the Pownal Tannery and Horsts Dairy. For 17 years he worked at Fairdale Farms and then started his own construction company, County Carpentry and later Abnaki Construction from which he retired.

Robert was an avid adventurous outdoorsman, who enjoyed nature, fishing and hunting. He liked riding his John Deere tractor and mowing his lawn. Robert was a hardworking man, who was very talented in woodworking, construction, and was meticulous in detail. Robert’s smile was infectious. He had a great love for his dogs and chipmunks. Robert’s greatest gift was his selfless love for his wife and family. Robert was known for his compassion and protectiveness. He was a free-spirited man, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His family was the most important thing to him. He will be deeply missed by his friends and family.

Survivors include his wife, Rita Barber of Pownal, Vermont who brought him the greatest joy in his life. His daughters, Joyce Monem of Orlando, Fla., Margaret Ferguson (Gerard) of Heath, MA., and Julie Watson (Michael) of Shaftsbury, VT. A son in law Parviz Monem of Orlando, Fla. His grandchildren, Ashley Barber(Keith Rowe)of Bennington, Dylan Monem (Audrianna Seitz) of Seminole, Florida, Shay Kosma (Kenny)of Orlando, Fla. and Christopher Smyrski (Stephanie) of Rutland, VT. His great grandchildren, Leah Barber of Bennington, Dylan Monem Jr. of Orlando, Fla., Alexis Cleveland of Orlando, Fla., and Thurston Smyrski of Rutland, VT. Two sisters, Sylvia Bull of Bennington and Sandra Wagar (Donald) of Anchorage, Alaska. A brother Steven Barber of Omaha, Nebraska Along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was pre-deceased by a sister, Susan Bull.

Friends may call at the Mahar and Son Funeral Home on Wednesday July 6, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

A memorial service will follow at the funeral home at 1:00 p.m.

The burial will take place in the family lot at Park Lawn Cemetery in Bennington.

If friends desire contributions in memory of Robert E. Barber may be made to either the Pownal Rescue Squad or the Second Chance Animal Shelter through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main St. Bennington, VT 05201. Guest book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net