Robert L. Picher of Winooski died peacefully on May 10, 2024, in Venice, FL, at the age of 99.
He was born in Winooski on July 30, 1924, the son of John and Agnes (Tougas) Picher. He was educated at St. Louis Convent in Winooski and Cathedral High School in Burlington. He was a graduate of Assumption College, Worcester, MA, and of Georgetown Law School, Washington, D.C., in 1954.
Bob practiced law in Winooski for 33 years, retiring in 1988. Locally he served as City Grand Juror, a member of the Zoning Board and as a Justice of the Peace.
Mr. Picher worked in public service in Vermont for nearly 40 years, initially as Executive Clerk to Gov. Joseph B. Johnson then as Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs to Gov. Robert T. Stafford. For the ensuing 30 years, he served as Clerk and Parliamentarian of the Vermont House of Representatives, retiring in 1993. In that capacity he was elected President of the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries in the 1980s.
Mr. Picher proudly served his country nearly his entire adult life. During World War II, he was a 20-yr-old 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, leading a platoon of 36 soldiers in combat in Germany in Co. K, 346th Regiment, with the 87th Infantry Division. He returned to active duty during the Korean Conflict in the 350th Regiment with the U.S. Forces in Austria. Upon his return stateside, Bob served in the Vermont Army National Guard for 15 years, retiring in 1971 with the rank of Lt. Colonel, and later for 19 years in the Vermont State Guard, retiring as its Commander with the rank of Major General. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion, both in Winooski. In his 80s and 90s, he was a weekly volunteer at the Vermont Veterans Militia Museum and Library and also served on its Board of Directors.
Bob was a member of Conseil St-Laurent of L'Union St-Jean-Baptiste, the largest Franco-American fraternal benefit society in the U.S., and for seven years served on its General Board. In his retirement he was active in the Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society and the Winooski Historical Society.
Mr. Picher was a devoted Catholic and member of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Winooski for some 90 years, performing countless tasks on its behalf and that of its congregants. For decades Bob was a member of the St. Francis church choir and for a time served as its director. He also was a member of the South Burlington Community Chorus for 31 years, participating in its annual spring and summer concerts.
On September 6, 1954, Bob married Jeannine S. Michaud, then of Washington, D.C. They resided in Winooski for the next 67 years, raising their family in the process. He was an exceptionally devoted husband, a loving father to his four children whom he cherished deeply, a doting Pépère to his five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and a wonderful friend to all who knew him.
Despite his many accomplishments, Bob likely will be most fondly remembered for his unmatched humanity and generosity of spirit by the thousands of people he touched in his century of life.
Mr. Picher is survived by his son Robert, Jr., and his wife Mary of Venice, FL, his son Thomas and his wife Julie of Wellesley, MA, and his daughter-in-law Suzanne Picher of Wellesley. He is also survived by his granddaughter Nicole Cummings (William) of New Rochelle, NY, grandchildren Christopher Picher of New York City, Madeleine Picher of Providence, RI, and Luke Picher of Wellesley, and grandson Thomas Picher, Jr., of Wellesley, as well as great-grandchildren Catherine, Alexandra and William Cummings of New Rochelle. Also surviving is his sister Therese Muldoon of Naples, FL. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Jeannine in 2021, daughter Louise Davis in 1988 and son David Picher in 2023. Also predeceasing him were his brother Paul Picher and sisters Madeleine Carpenter, Sr. Jeanne Picher and Sr. Claire Picher, as well as numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at The Residence at Shelburne Bay (VT) and Tuscan Gardens of Venetia Bay in Venice (FL). In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Francis Xavier Parish in Winooski.
A wake will be held at LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main St., Winooski from 5:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church in Winooski at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 29, followed by a public reception. To send online condolences to his family please visit www.vtfuneralhomes.com.
Posted online on May 21, 2024
Published in Burlington Free Press
