Robert Earl Davis

RICHFORD - Robert "Bob" Earl Davis, age 76, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Richford, Vermont. He was surrounded by his loving family in the farmhouse where he lived from the age of four. 

He was born in Richford on May 18, 1949, son of the late Eugene and Hilda (Vaughan) Davis. Bob was a lifelong resident of Richford and graduated from Richford High School in 1967. He then served in the VT National Guard, before returning home to join his parents and brother, Bruce, in operating the family farm (Davis & Sons, Inc.).

On July 24,1971, he married the love of his life Catherine Davis. Throughout their 54 years of marriage, they raised three children, fostered numerous others and hosted two exchange students from Finland and Taiwan. Together they enjoyed camping, cruises, and road trips. Cathy was dedicated to being Bob's caregiver throughout his last several years, ensuring that he was able to remain at home.

After the family farm was sold in 1997, he worked as a security guard at the federal building in St. Albans but always maintained his identity as a farmer. He continued to work the land he loved, by joining in the planting and harvesting seasons alongside his dear friends who purchased the farm, Lyle, Wayne, Oliver and Hoyt Hurtubise.

Bob was a member of the American Legion Post 12 for 54 years. He served the community for many years as a volunteer on the Richford Fire Department and with the Richford Ambulance Service. He was also a member of the National Ski Patrol at Jay Peak and a member of the First Baptist Church of Richford.

Bob was an old-school Vermonter who had a remarkably open heart that evolved with the times to embrace his number one priority, family. Known for his wicked sense of humor, he enjoyed playing pranks on people, doling out nicknames, being the life of the party with his "three-finger" drinks and singing along to the oldies but goodies. His antics played out in community events like the Hometown Follies and the Firemen's Social. He loved classic cars, gambling, fishing, and skiing. He was a farmer with very itchy feet - always eager to leave the cows behind for a bit and hit the road to explore the big wide world beyond Richford with his wife and family.

Bob had a deep, endearing love for his two grandchildren, Makayla and Levi, always entertaining them on the farm in the summer, taking them camping, on cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean, and best of all making them laugh.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Catherine (Wilson) Davis of Richford; his children, Shawn Davis and his husband Richard Sawyers of Washington DC, Sara Davis of Lyme, Connecticut and Christina Davis of Devon, Pennsylvania; foster son Brian Mo'e; grandchildren, Makayla Davis and her partner Jake O'Dowd, and Levi Davis-Sawyers. He is also survived by his brother Bruce Davis and his wife Virginia of Richford, as well as numerous beloved cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the many family and friends that contributed so much to Bob's quality of life over the years, as well as Bob's care team, which included; Nate Burns, Stacy (Embury) Gaudette, Jason Gaudette, Nancy Derby, Emma Gerrard, Courtney Sigmund, and the nurses of VNA/Franklin County Home Health.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a fund established to support Bob's widow Cathy with unexpected expenses during this long difficult journey. Please visit Bob's Memorial Fund - Everloved.

A celebration of life will be held on May 24 at the Davis Family Park in Richford, VT. Exact time and details to come.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com