Robert (Bob) Davidson

Robert (Bob) Davidson of East Dorset, Vermont, passed away peacefully on Feb. 17 at 90 years old at the Equinox Terrace in Manchester, VT, where he spent the last three years of his life. Bob was born Apr. 24, 1933, in Hartford, CT. He was raised in West Hartford, CT, by his parents,
Revera and Herman. He attended The Loomis Chaffee prep school and continued to keep ties as an active alumnus. Bob received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut. Shortly after that, he moved to NYC to start his career as an Insurance broker, eventually opening his own agency. At the London Terrace Gardens, he met the love of his life, Joan Gordon, and a few years later, on Jan. 30, 1960, they were married. They lived in New Jersey and then the suburbs of New York, raising their three children until coming to East Dorset 33 years ago.

He was an active member of The Village Light Opera Group, performing Gilbert and Sullivan shows in NYC for several years. Men’s field hockey was also one of his passions. He played and refereed for much of his life. In 1984, he was the field hockey announcer for the Los Angeles Olympics. He was also on the ski patrol at Butternut Basin for many years while his children were growing up, which instilled a love of skiing for his entire family. Bob was very involved in his children’s lives, always attending and supporting their many activities.

Upon moving to East Dorset as empty nesters, Bob and Joan became active members of the community. They were members of the Newcomers, Silver Griffins, The Dorset Players, The Southern Vermont Arts Center, and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. They also loved spending time with their grandchildren, who often came to eat his famous pancakes and ski. They eventually became instructors at Bromley Mountain along with their son Billy.

Sadly, Joan passed away in 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer. Bob continued to stay involved in the community, acting in plays at the Dorset Playhouse, singing with the VSO, ushering for the Manchester Music Festival, and attending Friday evening Shabbat services at The Israel Congregation in Manchester. Biking, hiking, ping-pong, croquet, and teaching fencing were just a handful of other activities that brought him joy.

Bob leaves his brother Harry and wife Diane of West Hartford, son Billy and fiancée Donna of East Dorset, daughter Suzanne and husband Rich of East Dorset, and six grandchildren. Brianne, Ryan and his wife Bridget, Eliza, Ainsley, John and Gareth.

Bob will be laid to rest at the Dellwood cemetery next to his wife Joan and son Johnny in the spring. There will be a small celebration of life at that time.