Robert Anderson Credit: Courtesy Robert Edmund Anderson Jr. of Westminster, Vt., died unexpectedly at home on September 11, 2026. He was born on November 15, 1963, in Burlington, Vt., the son of Jean Ward Anderson and Robert E. Anderson Sr. Bob attended St. Joseph’s School in Burlington and Burlington High School. Though much of his early life was spent having adventures and misadventures in Burlington, Bob especially looked forward to summers with his grandparents, aunts and uncles in Charlestown, N.H. He and his siblings spent their days fishing, boating and enjoying delicious meals along the Connecticut River. Throughout his life, Bob could most often be found in the kitchen. For many years, he was a familiar face at Bove’s Restaurant, where he enjoyed building relationships with the staff and regulars. Later, Bob stepped away from the kitchen and began a career at Kurn Hattin Homes in Westminster. He took great pride in his role as a house parent to many of the children who attended there. He loved sharing his passion for the outdoors and could always find a way to put a smile on their faces. He would never admit it, but he had a significant impact on many kids’ lives. Bob recently returned to the kitchen at Kurn Hattin and could often be found in the school’s greenhouse, where he had built a tremendous garden. Whether he was cooking, gardening or simply lending a helping hand, Bob found purpose in taking care of others. Bob enjoyed nothing more than being outdoors. He would take any opportunity to cast a line, whether at a local stream, on the Connecticut River or on Lake Champlain. When he wasn’t on the water, he could be found riding his four-wheeler with his pup, Scout, or walking through the woods. He was always up for an adventure, no matter the weather. Bob was known by everyone he met for his kindness, patience, humor and unfailingly good nature, traits he inherited from his mother, whom he adored. He touched the lives of countless people throughout his lifetime, no matter what role he played in theirs. Among the many hats he wore were son, brother, father, Poppy/grandfather, friend, teacher, coach, gardener, outdoor guide, comedian, mechanic, carpenter and many more. He embraced each of these roles wholeheartedly. He is survived by his children, Kyle (Nikki), Elizabeth (Blake), William and Sean; mother, Jean; and his newest and greatest joys, his grandchildren, Nora, Brooke and Bryce. He is also survived by siblings Karen Lansberry, Sue Fortier (Steve), Bruce (Susan) and Patrick (Becky); and brother-in-law Tim Kirol, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara and brother-in-law Dean Lansberry. This is where Bob would probably tell a very silly joke. In time, hopefully, that joke will come back to us. Until then, carry on his legacy. Go fishing. Be kind. Help someone. Put a smile on someone’s face. That’s what Bob would do. A Mass will held on October 17, 2026, 10 a.m., at St. Charles Church Cherry Hill in Bellows Falls, Vt., with a Celebration of Life to follow at noon at the cafeteria at Kurn Hattin Homes in Westminster. A Mass will also be said on October 24, 2026, 9 a.m., at St. Mark Parish on North Avenue in Burlington, Vt., and a Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. at the Bove’s Factory Café in Milton, Vt. Burial will be private. We welcome family and friends to join us as we celebrate Robert’s life and share memories together. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Bob with a donation to Kurn Hattin Homes, allowing his impact to continue. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster St., Bellows Falls, VT (fentonandhennessey.com). The post Obituary: Robert Edmund Anderson Jr., 1963-2026 appeared first on Seven Days. ...read more read less