Robert F. Zeigler

Robert "Bob" Francis Zeigler, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 22, 2025. His life was defined by faith, integrity, fierce loyalty, and a joyful determination to live each day with gratitude and love.
Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, in 1937, Bob was one of four children of Joseph and Gertrude (Carney) Zeigler. He was predeceased by his daughter, Michelle Bennett; his parents; his brother, Joe; and his sisters, Claire Black and Trudy Holly.
A proud graduate of St. Mary's in Brookline, Bob's early years were filled with friends and family, football, cars (especially his beloved 1956 blue and white Ford Fairlane) and hard work at a grocery store and hardware store. He loved to share stories of his favorite jobs carrying barrels of nails and bags of groceries up and down flights of stairs as his preseason workout. He was a devoted son and brother, caring for his mother and helping his brother Joe earn his degree from Boston College through one of the earliest remote learning programs in the country.
At Mosley's on the Charles in Dedham, MA, Bob met the love of his life, Maureen (Goggin) Zeigler, and confidently told a friend the next day, "I met the woman I'm going to marry." For more than 64 years, he was fiercely loyal to Maureen, the center of his world and his best friend. Together, they built a marriage grounded in faith, laughter, and mutual devotion that was an inspiration to all who knew them.
They lovingly welcomed five children. As a father, Bob was unwavering in his love and loyalty-his daughters and sons-in-law knew they could always count on his support, encouragement, and belief in them. To be his daughter was an endless gift of love and joy and a deep belief that with faith and family, all things are possible.
Bob spent decades with Trimount Corporation/Aggregate Industries, managing major paving and construction projects across Massachusetts, including countless highways and town roads. His incredible work ethic, leadership, and pride in his craft earned the admiration of his colleagues, but when the workday ended, his heart was always at home-with Maureen, his daughters, and later, his beloved grandchildren.
Known as "Papa," Bob's six grandchildren were his greatest joy. He celebrated every milestone, game, and accomplishment with pride, and he never missed a chance to tell them how much he loved them. He poured his wisdom, positivity, humor and energy into each of them. As his grandchild, you knew unconditional love and had a forever champion of your biggest dreams and goals. His big hugs, laughter, and constant encouragement have been a powerful force in all of their lives.
An avid runner, Bob took up the sport in his 40s and completed numerous marathons in Boston, Newport, and Chicago-including his final marathon at age 70. He loved his years with the Sharon Road Runners Club, cherishing the friendships and weekend runs around Lake Massapoag, Moose Hill, and Borderland state park.
Bob lived with gratitude and zest for life. He loved his wife's baking, his gardens, classic 50s music, and Christmas Eve singalongs at the player piano. Waking up to his beautiful voice singing the "good morning song" was the highlight to any sleepover for his grandchildren. He and Maureen were often the first on-and last off-the dance floor, joyfully celebrating life together. After retiring, they traveled the world with family and friends, explored national parks, and cherished every visit with their children and grandchildren. Their home in Sharon, lovingly and meticulously built and maintained together, was always full of laughter, warmth, and welcome.
Bob is survived by his wife, Maureen Zeigler of Sharon; daughters Christine McCormack of Sharon, Cathleen (Ilidio) Carneiro of Bellingham, Marybeth (William) Battis of Marshfield, and Kara (Tom) Gilardi of Chicago; son-in-law Jeff Bennett of Lake Luzerne, NY; and his cherished grandchildren Cody, Mackenzie, Graceann, Cole, Katharine, and Jack.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 30th at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Sharon, MA. A private burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michelle Bennett Memorial Scholarship.
Donations may made online at queensburyscholarship.org (text box must include "Michelle Bennett Memorial Scholarship") or by mail to
Queensbury Community Scholarship Association
P.O. Box 4083
Queensbury, NY 12804
(Any donation by check should be made out to Queensbury Community Scholarship Association with "Michelle Bennet Memorial Scholarship" in the memo line)
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