Robert Columbus

Robert Edwin Columbus 1928-2011 NORTH POWNAL, VT Robert Edwin Columbus, age 83, a resident of Dean Road in North Pownal, Vt., died on Wednesday evening, September 14, 2011 at the Vermont Veteran Home in Bennington. He was born in Adams, on Feb. 16, 1928, son of the late Edward and Mildred (Alderman) Columbus Reese. He received his education in North Adams, and was a graduate of Drury High School. Robert served in the Navy during World War II from 1946 until 1947, and held the rank of Seaman 2nd Class He married the former Judith Blake in Pownal, Vt., in 1973. Over the years Robert had been employed at General Cable in North Adams, Bijur Lubricating in Bennington and at Sweetwood Retirement Home. He was a member of the Bennington Elks Lodge #567, Pownal American Legion Post # 90, and the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed hunting, reading, being outdoors and attending air shows. His name appears on the National World War II Memorial in Washington. Survivors include his wife of North Pownal, Vt.; and his children, Robert Bradford and his wife, Sue, of North Adams, Donna Columbus and a close family friend, Gail Grandchamp , of North Adams, and Lori Santelli and her husband, John, of Williamstown; three grandchildren, Chad and Kerry Columbus of North Adams, and Ryan Santelli of Pownal; and four sisters, Barbara Vince of Pownal, Susan Arrighi of California, Beatrice Squires of North Carolina and Virginia Kelly of Florida. Robert was predeceased by four brothers, Dick, Harry, William and Howard; his step-father, William Reese; one grandson, Robbi Santelli; and his brother-in-law and best friend, Jim Kelly. FUNERAL NOTICE: Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, at 1 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Pownal with Chaplain Kenneth Coonradt of the Vermont Veterans Home officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels in Bennington, the American Legion Post #90 of Pownal or the Disabled American Veterans through the Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St. Bennington, VT 05201. Guestbook memorials may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net