Robert B. Kirchberger, 78, of The Villages, FL, was an incredible father, a devoted husband, and a phenomenal human being. Whether you called him Bob, Kirch, or Coach, he was simply a great guy who was loved by everyone who knew him.
Bob grew up in Morris, CT, where he set records as a Wamogo High School basketball player that stood unbroken for thirty years. He garnered a degree in business from Brown University and put it to good use when he co-founded Videoplay Industries, where he worked long hours for three decades to ensure his company’s success and provide a wonderful life for his family in Vernon, CT. Vowing to never shovel snow again, Bob retired early to The Villages, FL and enjoyed more than twenty years of golf and companionship with his wife and good friends.
Bob’s wife Vonda was the love of his life and his high school sweetheart. He met her when she was working at a malt shop in the 1950s. (She told him he wouldn’t like the peach ice cream.) She was right. He hated the ice cream, but he loved the girl. They were married for 57 years and stood by each other in sickness and in health just as they had promised.
Bob was a proud father, and together with his wife, he raised three children with patience, humor, and generosity; helping with school projects, coaching little league, and taking the family on vacations everywhere from Cape Cod to California.
Bob cherished his grandchildren, who spent many hours laughing with Grandpa/Papa/Grandpa Tease. He loved them, and they loved him. Somehow kids can always recognize a beautiful soul.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Vonda; his children Lee, Eric, and Cara; son-in-law Dave; grandchildren Allegra, Ryan, Grace, Luke, and Nathaniel; nephews Tom and Ed; nieces Barbara, Gia, Heather, Amy, and Susie; sister and brother-in-law Mary Kate and Richard; brother-and-sister-in-law Sam and Linda; sister-in-law Nina; and aunt Jean. He was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Ethel; in-laws Sam and Lillian; brother Bill; and nephews Peter and Sam.
A Memorial and Celebration of Bob Kirchberger’s Life will be held at Beyers Funeral Home in Lady Lake, FL, on Monday, February 26, 2018, visiting hours 2 – 3 p.m., Memorial Service at 3 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to: Â St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org, Cornerstone Hospice, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, FL 32162 at donate.cshospice.org
