Robert L Moore

Robert L. Moore (“Bob”) of Rutland, Vermont, died peacefully on November 6, 2023 at Rutland Regional Medical Center at age 84 after a brief illness.

Bob was born in Rutland on January 25, 1939 to Robert Farrow Moore and Beth Mundt Ramsay Moore.  He attended Rutland public schools and graduated in 1956 from Rutland High School, where he was on the track and football teams.  On December 28, 1957 at Christ the King Church, Bob married Wilmah Jean Hubbard, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life.  They were married for 65 wonderful years enjoying their family of five children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Bob was an entrepreneur and “go getter” from an early age.  At ten years old, he was making maple syrup with his brother Phil in their backyard on Bellevue Avenue in Rutland.  As a teenager, he ran his own lawn mowing service and sold Christmas trees.

Immediately out of high school, Bob worked at his father’s business, G. H. Grimm Company on Pine Street in Rutland, where father and son jointly designed and manufactured hay tedders and equipment for producing maple syrup.

In 1972, Bob launched his own business.  Together with his wife, Bob owned and operated Moore’s Auto in Rutland which incorporated autobody repairs, used car sales and later expanded to include the sale and installation of manufactured housing.  They celebrated the 50th anniversary of Moore’s Auto & Manufactured Homes in 2022.  Never retiring, Bob continued to work and run the company until the day he passed.

Bob will be most remembered for his devotion to family, kind heart, generosity to those in need, sense of humor, strong business acumen, creative problem solving, and tireless work ethic.  He was happiest being with family, spending time at Lake Bomoseen, snowmobiling, operating machinery like his Kubota excavator and lawn mower, cheering on the Red Sox, and going to Disney World with his grandkids and great grandkids.

Bob is survived by his devoted and loving wife Wilmah H. Moore and four of their children:  Robert J. Moore and his wife Janice of Needham, MA; Karen J. Moore and her husband Kevin Smith of Rutland; Melanie M. Reedy of Cicero, NY; and Melissa L. A. Knox and her husband Robert of Rutland.  Bob was predeceased by his daughter Megan E. Moore in 2013.  He is also survived by his seven grandchildren who lovingly called him “Bobo”:  Robert C. Moore; Katherine M. Moore; Christopher P. Reedy and his wife Katherine; Alexandra Reedy Collins and her husband Terrence; Sophia M. Moore-Smith; Rory B. Carrara; and Gabriella J. Sicard.

In addition, Bob is survived by his three great-grandchildren:  Brooklyn Reedy; James Reedy; and Nova Collins.  He is also survived by:  his brother Philip D. Moore and his wife Elizabeth of Mendon; his brother-in-law Gregory Hubbard and his wife Patricia; his sister-in-law Suzanne Scovill and her husband Clint; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  Finally, Bob leaves behind the family’s beloved cocker spaniel, Sunshine, whom he endearingly called “Pretty Girl.”

A graveside service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Evergreen Cemetery in Rutland.  Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland.  Memorial contributions can be made in Bob’s memory to The Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, or to a charity of your choice.