Robert Jay Resnik

Robert Jay Resnik was born in Elizabeth, NJ to Arnold and Miriam (Glasston) Resnik. He lived in Kenilworth, NJ, Skokie and Morton Grove, IL and Westfield NJ. A gifted musician, author, mycologist, DJ, and librarian - Robert's energy and curiosity led to a life full of exploration, creation and appreciation for nature. As a child, Robert visited his maternal grandparents in Burlington and after high school graduation in 1970, he decided to attend the University of Vermont. The rest is history.
On his first day of college, Robert was "bit" by the radio bug. Inspired by his DJ heroes at WFMU in East Orange, NJ. Robert's WRUV show was an opportunity to explore new genres and celebrate local songwriters and performers. Following his nearly 15-year stint on college radio Robert began hosting All the Traditions, a folk and world-music program that he helmed for 29 years on Vermont Public. Every week, listeners in Vermont and beyond would tune in to a whirlwind of tunes, from southern bluegrass to Saharan blues rock, hurdy-gurdy reels to honky-tonk. He loved promoting talented musicians from the area. In 2023, Robert was inducted into the Folk DJ Hall of Fame. A highlight of that trip was fulfilling a long-term goal of enjoying barbecue at Arthur Bryant's in Kansas City.
Robert's curiosity and sharp memory expanded into a kaleidoscope of subject areas. He collected hand-blown glass marbles, small bottles of hot sauce, two-cup silver-plated teapots, ivory dice, playing card jokers, and comprehensively mapped out family genealogy. A blessedly cool weekend exploring flea markets, yard sales and walking in the woods hunting mushrooms was his idea of heaven (especially if we stopped off for creemies or pastries on the way).
His long career as an outreach and reference librarian and eventual co-director of the Fletcher Free Library provided a foundation for his contagious enthusiasm. His regular performances at the library made music accessible to hundreds of children and he even recorded several CDs of children's songs. He loved visiting libraries all across the country, and in 2006 led a goodwill trip to Moss Point, Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina to share music and replace books lost in the storm.
Robert played in numerous bands with some of his favorite people. From longstanding Irish folk group the Highland Weavers, to Klezmer to French accordion music, he played folk festivals, summer camps, smokey bars, marathons, weddings, harvest festivals and rubber duck races. He was proud to record several albums of songs about Vermont and Lake Champlain (give his ode to Invasive Species a spin!)
In his final years, Robert navigated life with Parkinson's Disease. Even when movement was difficult, Robert brought music to his PT classes. He loved supporting local music, spending time with friends and family and hosting his beloved radio show. Robert's impact on the music and culture of Vermont brought the community together and his legacy invites us to explore our interests and the nature and community around us. Robert loved creative people true to their own nature and collected many wonderful friends who will miss him dearly.
Predeceased by his beloved parents and brother Michael, Robert is survived by his wife Maureen, his sons Max (Leanna) and Ben (Kelly), his siblings Martin Resnik (Anne Marie) and Judy Pemberton (Chris), and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Donations in Robert's honor can be made to Vermont Public, the Fletcher Free Library and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Stay tuned for a celebration of Robert's life and music this fall.