Robert E. Carlyle

Williamstown, Vermont – It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Bobby Carlyle, 66, on August 26, 2025, surrounded by his devoted and loving family.

He was the son of Kenneth J. Carlyle and Helen (Cooney) Carlyle, born on October 7, 1958, at Montpelier Hospital. He grew up in Moretown and attended Moretown elementary school and graduated in 1977 from Harwood High School as a member of the National Honor Society.

On November 10, 1990, he married his best friend and soulmate Sarah Swift. They resided in Barre Town until 2013 and are currently in Williamstown.

Patsy Fortney, Chaplain officiated Sarah and Bobby’s vows, in the ICU. Their vow renewal was supposed to happen in November to celebrate 35 years together.

He started his work career as a diesel mechanic at State Equipment Corp in 1977 until it closed in 1980. He then began his career at Formula Ford that was formally known as Walker Motors, up until October of 2011. His mechanical skills were known statewide with a following from Motorhome, Ambulance and heavy truck owners.

In October of 2011, he was severely injured and left him as a paraplegic. He handled himself with grit, determination, and dignity throughout the next 14 years. Bobby could not be defined disabled. That is not who he was. Anyone who really knew and loved him thought he was amazingly strong, passionate, religious and brave. He was a warrior who could not have done it without the love, care, and support from his wife.

He was so proud of his father serving in WWII at the Battle of the Bulge. He and Sarah did many trips to see a lot of the National Parks including walking across the Golden State Bridge in San Francisco and he did it unwillingly. They met lifelong friends along the way.

Despite being born with Spina Bifida, and a life changing accident, he lived and loved life to the fullest. Smart as a whip from a toddler, always inquisitive and “thinking.” His favorite first words were “what doin,” his little head on your shoulder ready to help out. He helped during Tropical Storm Irene, bringing food, water, and supplies to the Moretown Town Hall for those working on clean up. He was a rascal to the core. Texting his “buddies” daily with some ribbing or antics. He was as loyal as any person could be. He was honest to a fault. A true friend, father, grandfather, and brother. As anyone could have ever met. The husband part came easy to Bobby and with great happiness.

His hobbies included hunting, owning classic cars and trucks including a 1956 F100 Ford Truck which he and Sarah drove home from Arkansas in 1991. Spending time in York, Maine and the cabin in Orange.  Let’s not forget his love of old Ford Bronco’s.  He enjoyed owning and fixing them to make them road worthy again. Many people were given loving nicknames by him over the years, here are a few: Shorty, Doda, Squeaky, Rube, S.L.B.H.W., Guedo, Lippa, Tub, Randalski, S**t Lips, Baby Jesus, Vernie, and Bart. He really loved attending his granddaughters soccer and basket games.  He was so proud of both of them.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife Sarah Carlyle, his daughter Kerri Hull and husband, Cary Hull, his son Brian Allain and wife, Julie Barclay, his granddaughters Madelyn and Ava Hull, his brother-in-law Peter Swift, sister-in-law Candace Stewart and her husband, Randy. His siblings; Ruth Richardson, Kenny Carlyle and wife, Betty, Cheryl Brown and her husband, Gary, Lisa Baroffio, and Julie Moody. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews. Bobby also leaves his much-loved family pets Shiloh, Oliver, and Zoe. He will be sorely missed by close friends and family including Gary Brown, Pete Swift, Dean Gallison, Francis Randall and Jay Trombley.

He was predeceased by his parents Johnny Carlyle and Helen Carlyle, his brother Francis Carlyle, his nephew Devin Swift, his in-laws Richard Swift and Mabel Swift.

A celebration of life for Bobby will be held at the Canadian Club on September 14, 2025, that starts at 11:00 a.m., located at 414 E Montpelier Rd, Barre, VT 05641. Contributions in Bobby’s name would be appreciated to your local V.F.W., and to the Central Vermont Humane Society.

We would like to thank the CVMC ICU for their love, compassion, and care they gave Bobby and his family. We would also like to thank Dr. Elisha McLam and her nurse Kellie Lafaille from the Plainfield Health Center. Their medical care and the compassion shown for Bobby will never be forgotten.