South Burlington, Vt. —
He attended school in Windsor, was enlisted in the U.S. Army 1945-1947, then activated with the Vermont Army National Guard 1950-1952 during the Korean War, serving in Germany. He later served in the USAF Reserves for eight years.
Bob married Joyce M. Orcutt of Worcester, Mass. on June 5, 1954. Bob was employed by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, Conn. for 35 years, retiring in 1990. Bob and Joyce returned to Vermont in 1995 to be near their beloved grandsons.
Bob will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. In his free time Bob earned a Private Pilot’s license, enjoyed beekeeping, gardening, woodworking, creating folk art, genealogy, Civil War history, and vacationing with family, but mostly Bob enjoyed and took great pride in his grandsons.
Bob is survived by his daughter Doris B. Grippin and her husband David C; grandson Daniel R Grippin and wife Katie, grandson William S. Grippin and wife Emily; great-granddaughters Eliza and Alice Grippin; brother Arthur Blaine and wife Loretta; sister Beverly Gavin; a nephew and six nieces; and 11 grandnieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife of 53 years, Joyce; daughter Donna; brothers William, Bruce, and Bernard Blaine; sister Elizabeth Blaine, and infant sister Barbara Blaine.
Private graveside services and interment will be held at a later date in St. Francis Cemetery, Windsor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to VNA Hospice Care.