Bob Flory

Bob Flory, 97, of Morristown and formerly Stowe died peacefully July 12, 2025, at home in the presence of his loving family. He was born in Rutland, Vermont, the eldest child of Faust Flory and Eva Monville Flory on July 3, 1928. He grew up in West Rutland, a community of European immigrants drawn to the marble industry. He told colorful stories of his youth with characters like Boom Boom Crawford, the ice man. He stated how well people got along until the marble strike, and he never forgot the sound of breaking glass throughout the neighborhood when homes of those who crossed the picket line were attacked. As for surviving the depression he said, "We ate a lot of potatoes." In high school, he played basketball, and his team proudly won the state championship. He left school to join the US Navy and served six years, two of which were on an aircraft carrier during the Korean War. On leave from the Navy, he met Betty Hamel of Stowe, the love of his life. They married December 27, 1952, the second couple to be married in the Catholic church in Stowe.

He became a barber and opened the Yankee Clipper on State Street in Montpelier. He kept many a governor and legislator "looking sharp." He would always come home with interesting stories like the day a large Moose sauntered down State Street, past his shop window, stopping traffic. After 35 years, he retired from barbering, and he and Betty moved to Virginia Beach to be near family. While there, he found some stray cats which he rescued. He founded "Meow Power," an organization that rescued, neutered, and homed stray cats.

In 1999, the whole family moved back to Vermont, settling in Morristown, where they remained. He is survived by his wife, Betty, daughter Lynn Flory of Craftsbury, brother Jack Flory (Lorraine) of West Rutland, SIL Nina (James) Flory. He is predeceased by three infant sons, sister Barbara Wiskoski (Stanley), brother James Flory, MIL Irene Edwards (PH Edwards). No services will be held. Any donations may be sent to Lamoille Home Health & Hospice.

Bob always said, "If you can't do good for others, what good are you?" His kindness and extreme generosity touched many people and animals alike. In his final days, he never complained, and lived his real name "Francis" by blessing every nurse and helper many times over. Special thanks to Lamoille Hospice and Susann Smith for their remarkable help.