Robert A. Bayer

Robert A. Bayer, known to all as Bob, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at the age of 74 at the Woodridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Berlin. Born on August 2, 1951, in Yonkers, New York, he was the son of Clifton and Isabella (Fowler) Bayer. He grew up in New York, completed his education there, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in History and Education. On August 2, 1975, he married Patricia Van Dyke. They shared 37 happy years together until her death in 2012, raising two children.

Bob worked for many years as a Mental Health Clinician in Massachusetts, always seeking to help others. A devoted follower of Jesus since childhood, his faith remained a guiding light throughout his life. In 2013 he met Kathleen Andrews, and their first date at Sarducci’s restaurant became a cherished memory. He often referred to it as “Sarducci’s where I fell in love.” They married in 2015 and enjoyed 13 wonderful years together.

Bob’s kindness, humor, and generosity defined him. Above all, he was a family man who treasured time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. After every gathering he would say, “Today was the best day of my life.”

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Andrews; his children, Katherine Bayer McGovern and Jonathan Bayer; his stepsons, Andrew and Adam Sollace; his grandchildren, Will McGovern, Bella McGovern, Kendra Bayer, Kamden Bayer, Jack Sollace, and Luke Sollace; his brother, Clifton Bayer; and his sister, Susan Stucker. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia, and his beloved younger brother, George Withers.