Robert E. Beede

WILLIAMSTOWN, VT - Robert E. Beede, 92 of Baptist Street passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025, with his family by his side in the comfort of his home. He faced declining health over the past few years where his body was failing but his mind was still sharp till his last breath. He was still driving and riding his side-by-side up until a few weeks ago. He was determined to never give up until his fight truly became too much.

Born on August 23, 1933, in Barre, VT, Bob was one of two children of Elmer and Ila (Abare) Beede. On June 23, 1951, Bob married Eleanor Cochran in Barre, VT. They first made their home at 52 Websterville Road in Barre Town where they resided for over 50 years. They then built a home adjacent to their sons in Williamstown. Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army for three years during the Korean conflict where he was stationed in Germany and Italy as well as various bases stateside. He was a very proud American and valued his experiences in the US Army. He was a proud and fierce President Trump supporter and anyone wanting to dispute his political choice would be on the losing end of any discussions.

Bob was engaged in a couple business ventures early on - a paving and a milk hauling business. He then joined Rock of Ages where he was employed for over 40 years, retiring in 1993 as Quarry Operations Manager where he traveled extensively to the various quarries.

Bob was an avid race fan and actually began his own racing career in the early 1960’s where he could be found racing at tracks in Northfield, Waterford, and Thunder Road piloting his #54. That hobby was passed onto his two sons who piloted their own #53 and #54 and later onto his granddaughters, Rachel, and Renee, carrying the same Beede numbers. He was their biggest supporter both on and off the tracks and treasured those days immensely through their various successes and defeats. Story telling of those “good ole days” brought a sparkle in his eye and he could recreate each race in explicit detail till the very end. He was an avid NASCAR fan cheering for the Earnhardts and then any driver that was part of the Hendrick’s team. In addition, he loved playing in the woods with his various equipment and big-boy toys and was always searching for an elusive deal whether it be motorized or bullet powered.

Bob truly loved his family gatherings, and he continued the family traditions that Eleanor left behind. Holiday gatherings at his home provided enough food and drink to support the entire town and no one left without taking plenty of leftovers for at least a couple of meals. No one entered his home without sharing a beverage (or two or three) to go along with his endless stories. He treasured the monthly breakfasts at the Northfield American Legion or Wayside with his sons as “breakfasts like these provided fuel for the day.”

Survivors include his two sons Charles Beede and his wife, Francine; Daniel Beede and his partner, Darla Hartt; his grandchildren Rachel Laggner (Daniel), Renee Holbrook (Justin), Bethany Davis (Charles), Kristen Ziter (Mike), Ryan Nielsen (Sarah), and Samantha Nielsen. In addition, there are his great-grandchildren Riley and Colby Laggner, Donovan and Jonathan Sicard, Ryan and Adrian Holbrook, Daniel Beede (Kaylie), Logan, Natalie, Emmah, Jillian, Liam and Brady Davis, Brenna, and Ezra Ziter. He also leaves his companion of several years Sandra Evangelista who provided much care and comfort for him throughout his final years. In addition, he leaves several nieces, nephews and his precious cat Baby who has provided much joy and comfort for him over the years.

Bob was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Eleanor and their two-year-old son Dennis, his daughter-in-law Lynn Beede, his parents, his sister Shirley Giroux-Kreisz, and several other extended family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Williamstown Lutheran Church at 2828 Graniteville Road, Graniteville, VT. Following the service, interment will take place in the Wilson Cemetery in Lower Websterville.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the wonderful care and support provided by Barre Internal Medicine, Central Vermont Medical Center and Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice. Heartfelt thanks go out to all for the care and comfort provided, especially during the past year as they guided Bob and his family throughout the arduous process of his final lap.

Special thanks to Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre, for their expertise, gentle care, and guidance during this difficult time.