Robert Francis DuBack

Robert Francis DuBack, age 90 of Brattleboro passed away July 13, 2023 at home surrounded by his wife and children.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 47 years Joyce (Raicht) DuBack, his children; Elizabeth Bowie of Connecticut, Steven DuBack and his wife Robin Murphy of Florida, Ingrid Rawling and her husband Scott of Connecticut., Florence Shephard and her husband Kristian Harris of California, David Shephard and his wife Judie of Alabama, Michelle Craig and her husband Tim of Connecticut, his stepdaughter Kersten Vigus of Pennsylvania and his sisters, June Marques of Colorado, and Joyce Piccirillo of Connecticut.

He was blessed with 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Robert was predeceased by his parents Charles DuBack and Cecelia (Mazes) DuBack. His brothers Albert, Jack, Charles and Raymond DuBack and his sisters Cecelia Zaleta & Shirley D’Aulisa.

Robert was born on January 21, 1933, in Fairfield Connecticut. He was a veteran of the US Navy and served his Country during the Korean War.

Robert was an accomplished artist, sculptor, painter, and carpenter. In addition to art shows in Brattleboro, Vermont, Port Washington, New York, Rockport, Maine, and other locations, some of his artwork has been displayed at Peter Havens in Brattleboro and is on display at the New England House in Brattleboro. 

Robert was familiarly known as the “napkin artist” of Brattleboro. Wherever he went he brought along his sketching pens and joyfully did two minute napkin sketches of anyone in his sight.  Many people in Brattleboro and other locations around the world still display his quick portraits on their walls and refrigerators.  Occasionally, Robert would deliver one of his quick portraits to someone eating in a restaurant at a table near him and they would come to thank him and mention that they had framed the napkin portrait he did of them 2 years ago.

Robert lived a very creative life from his artwork, poetry, and writings to the circle of friends that surrounded him and Joyce with love and laughter. He was an avid golfer and sometimes was known to swing his club so hard that Joyce’s brother Bob renamed him a golfing Paul Bunyan. Robert was a very spiritual being and many of his writings were written to communicate what he felt were important thoughts and ideas to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren

Robert enjoyed traveling and learning about other cultures around the world.  He enjoyed many trips to all parts of North America, Europe, Asia, South America and frequently vacationed in the Caribbean and Central America.

There will be a private Celebration of Life ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to: American Lung Association at www.action.lung.org or COPD Foundation at www.copdfoundation.org.