Obituary for Robert V. Lyle
Robert VanDerveer Lyle "Bob", 84, of Simsbury, CT, passed away December 6, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born February 5, 1936 in New Brunswick, NJ. Growing up in NJ and spending childhood summers on his grandparents’ farm sparked a lifelong interest in gardening. Bob’s family lived in England during high school, a grand adventure which he later chronicled in a memoir. He graduated from St. Lawrence University and joined the US Army Reserves, serving for 28 years. He began his career as an Actuary at Aetna, and held several positions in the Employee Benefits Division. After retiring from Aetna in 1990, he established Lyle Associates, where he provided benefits consulting services until 2010.
Bob married the love of his life, Lois, in 1961 and they settled in Simsbury, CT. They raised their children and made many lifelong friends there. Bob was very active in his community. He was a Founder and Commissioner of the Simsbury Youth Soccer Program. He was very involved in the First Church of Christ, and was a member of various committees and served on the United Church of Christ’s National Pension Board. Bob also served as Treasurer and Chairman of the Simsbury Salvation Army and could often be seen ringing the bell outside local businesses during the holidays. He enjoyed being a Board Member and Treasurer of the Simsbury Historical Society. Due to Bob’s generous spirit and love of the community, he was honored as a Hometown Hero in 2015.
One of Bob's greatest passions was gardening. Bob spent many happy hours tending his large vegetable garden. He became a UConn Master Gardener in 2006 and served as Chairman of the Board at the Auerfarm 4-H Educational Center in Bloomfield, CT, helping with their program to donate fresh vegetables to Foodshare of Greater Hartford.
Bob and Lois loved to travel and visit with family and friends. When their family was young, the highlight of each summer was spending two weeks at the Jersey shore, sharing a beach house with three generations of Lyles. Later, Bob also cherished vacations spent with Lois, their children and grandchildren, exploring new destinations each year. Bob was devoted to researching family history and wrote 3 books, all of which are treasured by his extended family.
In addition to his wife of 59 years, Lois, Bob leaves his 3 children, Randy (Mary) Lyle of Livonia, MI, Stephen (Linda) Lyle of Avon, CT and Martha (Robert) Giegel of Salem, CT. Bob adored spending time with his 6 grandchildren, Rob and Kate Lyle, Jeffrey and Kevin Lyle and Andrew and Julia Giegel. He is also survived by brother John Hyer (Sherry) Lyle, Jr. of Prescott, AZ and sister-in-law JoAnne Lyle of Circleville, OH and many nephews and nieces. Bob was predeceased by his parents, John Hyer and Mary Conover Lyle, and his brother, William Conover Lyle.
Bob will be sorely missed by the many lives he touched. A private burial will be held in December, with a larger Memorial Service planned for later in 2021. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army, Auerfarm, or the Simsbury Historical Society. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Bob’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
Bob married the love of his life, Lois, in 1961 and they settled in Simsbury, CT. They raised their children and made many lifelong friends there. Bob was very active in his community. He was a Founder and Commissioner of the Simsbury Youth Soccer Program. He was very involved in the First Church of Christ, and was a member of various committees and served on the United Church of Christ’s National Pension Board. Bob also served as Treasurer and Chairman of the Simsbury Salvation Army and could often be seen ringing the bell outside local businesses during the holidays. He enjoyed being a Board Member and Treasurer of the Simsbury Historical Society. Due to Bob’s generous spirit and love of the community, he was honored as a Hometown Hero in 2015.
One of Bob's greatest passions was gardening. Bob spent many happy hours tending his large vegetable garden. He became a UConn Master Gardener in 2006 and served as Chairman of the Board at the Auerfarm 4-H Educational Center in Bloomfield, CT, helping with their program to donate fresh vegetables to Foodshare of Greater Hartford.
Bob and Lois loved to travel and visit with family and friends. When their family was young, the highlight of each summer was spending two weeks at the Jersey shore, sharing a beach house with three generations of Lyles. Later, Bob also cherished vacations spent with Lois, their children and grandchildren, exploring new destinations each year. Bob was devoted to researching family history and wrote 3 books, all of which are treasured by his extended family.
In addition to his wife of 59 years, Lois, Bob leaves his 3 children, Randy (Mary) Lyle of Livonia, MI, Stephen (Linda) Lyle of Avon, CT and Martha (Robert) Giegel of Salem, CT. Bob adored spending time with his 6 grandchildren, Rob and Kate Lyle, Jeffrey and Kevin Lyle and Andrew and Julia Giegel. He is also survived by brother John Hyer (Sherry) Lyle, Jr. of Prescott, AZ and sister-in-law JoAnne Lyle of Circleville, OH and many nephews and nieces. Bob was predeceased by his parents, John Hyer and Mary Conover Lyle, and his brother, William Conover Lyle.
Bob will be sorely missed by the many lives he touched. A private burial will be held in December, with a larger Memorial Service planned for later in 2021. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army, Auerfarm, or the Simsbury Historical Society. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Bob’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com