Robert A. Bridges

PLAINFIELD – Robert A. “Rob” Bridges went on to his next great adventure on August 18, 2025, with all of his children by his bedside.

Born on August 21, 1951, he was the son of Homer and Florence Bridges, he had a wonderful childhood with his siblings in Morrisville, where he graduated from Peoples Academy and went on to get a bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont.

Rob enlisted in the Vermont Army National Guard in 1972 and played with the 40th Army Band for over 35 years. He received the Meritorious Service Medal and retired as First Sergeant in 2011.

In 1983, he wed Susan MacPherson, and they made a home with their family in Montpelier and then in Plainfield.

Not one to sit still often, Rob had many great adventures. Working in Denmark, cross-country road trips, a trip to Switzerland (he learned how to ski at 72!), and most recently, a drive to Alaska with a camper in tow.

The last several years of his life, Rob had many highs and lows after being diagnosed with several types of cancer. He never called it a battle or fight, but rather a journey. The staff at CVMC, UVM, and Dartmouth Hitchcock often said, “You aren’t supposed to be having this much fun,” and “You’re the only person here today smiling”.

Since his passing, people have shared their thoughts on who Rob was. “Thoughtful and kind soul”, “a wonderful man”, “selfless, loving to everyone, but tough when life required it”, and a “definition of courage: grace under pressure” were some of the family's favorites. He was all of those things and more. A pillar of strength for his children, a sounding board for his soldiers, a popsicle provider for his grandchildren, and of course – a master tinkerer.

His ability to tinker on nearly anything allowed him to make a home for his family on Middle Road in Plainfield. Rob and Sue took over the property in 1988, and he lived there until the time of his passing. He loved and hated “that old shack” as much as anyone could. Everything had a place, including him. His favorite place on earth was sitting under a structure he built and named the “Suzie B. Memorial Pavilion,” where he could be found sitting by a small fire, drinking a jelly jar of brandy, and smoking a cigar. One of the last pieces of art he made was a wood-burned sign that stated, “Right Here Where I Ought to Be”. Home.

Rob is predeceased by his sister Elaine, his best friend and brother Luc, his wife Susan, and his companion Debbie. He leaves behind five children – John Henderson (Veronica) of Florida, Matt Wood (Mel) of Arizona, Kadie DeCerbo (Mike) of Massachusetts, Jon Bridges (Erica) of California, and Courtney Laggner (Matt) of Vermont. Known as Nampie or Grampie BridgEEs, he leaves behind eight grandchildren – Nicole and JC Henderson, Colin, Jackson, and Quinn DeCerbo, Charlotte (Charlie) Wood-Molyneux, and Leo and Audrey Laggner.

We, his family, would like to personally thank the amazing staff at Mayo Healthcare in Northfield. Your compassion and dedication to care have been so comforting and will not be forgotten.

There will be a small private burial at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery at the convenience of his family.  Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life at the American Legion Post #10 in Barre on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 12:00-3:00p.m.

If you are interested in donating in Rob's name, please consider doing so for Mayo Healthcare, 71 Richardson Street, Northfield, VT  05663.

“Make it a Great Day” – Rob Bridges