• John Robert “Bob” Lefebvre

John Robert “Bob” Lefebvre passed away peacefully at home in Santa Maria, Calif., on September 17, 2018, with his daughters by his side. Bob was born in Burlington, Vt., on July 9, 1944.

In his younger years, he enjoyed playing sports, singing in the Cathedral Church choir and getting into mischief with his brother Jimmy. Bob graduated from Rice Memorial High School in Burlington in 1963. He entered the United States Air Force in1964, thinking he would escape the cold weather of Vermont, but soon found himself stationed in Newfoundland, Canada, where he served as a medic. He was last stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and was honorably discharged in 1967.

Bob fell in love with California, and for the remainder of his life he made his home in Santa Maria, a city he loved. He worked as an LVN (LPN) at Marian Hospital in the emergency room while attending Cal Poly College. Bob also worked as an LVN (LPN) in Santa Barbara at Hitchcock Clinic for many years, where he made many dear friends before retiring in 2004.

Bob had a great sense of humor, a loving spirit and a gentle soul. Even though he lived on the other side of the country, he maintained close relationships with his family and many of his childhood friends. Bob spent most of his free time playing golf and rooting for the Boston Red Socks or his New York Giants. His favorite thing in the world was spending time with his beloved grandson, Jacob, who was truly the light of his life.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Michelle (Mrs. Larry) Rodriguez and Suzanne Lefebvre and her partner, Rob Kirker; and his much-loved grandson, Jacob Lefebvre. Bob is also survived by his siblings Margaret Dorey, Richard “Dick” Lefebvre, Mary (Mrs. Barry) Stevens, Theresa Lefebvre and Barbara (Mrs. Gregory) Thayer; sister-in-law Barbara (Mrs. James) Lefebvre; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Rita (McGrath) and John Lefebvre; and his older brother James “Jimmy” Lefebvre.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, October 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hineburg Senior Center, Hineburg Road in Burlington, first floor. Feel free to bring photos and stories to share. Light refreshments will be served.