MONTPELIER – Robert A. Bayer, “Bob”, 74, a longtime resident of Summit Street, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Woodridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Berlin.

Born on August 2, 1951, in Yonkers, New York, he was the son of Clifton and Isabella (Fowler) Bayer. He completed his elementary and high school education in New York. He then went on to enroll in college, where he majored in History and Education while earning his bachelor’s degree.

On August 2, 1975, he married Patricia Van Dyke. The two were very happily married for 37 years until her death in 2012. Together they raised two wonderful children.

Bob worked as a Mental Health Clinician in Massachusetts for many years. He believed in helping all those he could throughout his life. He was a devoted follower of Jesus since he was a child. His faith grew stronger every day. He walked a path that Jesus would honor.

In 2013, Bob met Kathleen Andrews. Their first date was to Sarducci’s restaurant. From then on, he called the restaurant “Sarducci’s where I fell in love”. They were married in 2015, and they had 13 wonderful years together. His kindness, humor and generosity were his signature attributes. Bob was a family man through and through. His favorite days were those spent with his wife, his kids and his grandkids. After each gathering he would say, “Today was the best day of my life”.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Andrews; his children Katherine Bayer McGovern and Jonathan Bayer; his stepsons Andrew and Adam Sollace and his grandchildren Will McGovern, Bella McGovern, Kendra Bayer, Kamden Bayer, Jack Sollace and Luke Sollace. He also leaves his brother Clifton Bayer and his sister Susan Stucker.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia and his very special little brother George Withers.

A celebration of Bob’s life will take place at a time to be announced this summer.