FERRISBURGH — Robert “Bob” Willets Hardy, 92, of Ferrisburgh Vt., our loving husband, father, and grandfather left us unexpectedly on June 26, 2025.

He was born in Summit, N.J., March 31, 1933, the son of Charles and Mariah Hardy. He graduated from Princeton University in 1954, where he proudly rowed in the bow position for the University Freshman and Varsity crew eights for all four years. He then went to serve in Korea in 1955 and 1956 as Assistant S-3 for the 13th Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division along the DMZ.

Professionally, Bob focused on new business development, primarily with technology from Switzerland, which included continuous flat-bed screen printing, automated materials distribution systems generically called Telelift Systems, and Biomass waste conversion systems to convert municipal wastes into useable and clean forms of energy.

Bob was accepted by his word in business, which everyone knew was his bond and that is why he was so successful in launching new and unknown enterprises.

Bob found a wonderful partner, his compensating balance who kept him going through thick and thin, in Karin Stockar from Zurich, Switzerland.

Bob and Karin have been quiet supporters of education and life sustaining funds for those with ability but without means. For this purpose they initiated funds with a modest contribution at their church and at Vermont Community Foundation.

Bob’s proudest achievement is his family, which he will claim was mostly due to his lovely wife Karin.

Bob is survived by Karin and their children, Andrea Willets Hardy Kerin, her husband Paul, and their daughter Amelia Beck Kerin; Donita Renee Hardy and her children Alexander Hardy Brent and Lydia Camille Brent; and Scott Douglas Hardy, and his children Mary (Emme) Elizabeth Hardy, Jane Webster Hardy, and Phebe Bateman Hardy.

Karin is thankful to be surrounded by family at this time.

He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Charles D. Hardy (Pete) and Joan.

In the “LIVES of 1954” yearbook of the 50th reunion of the class of 1954 Bob defined his two most important ingredients for his life, which were “number one family and two when you have been knocked down, get up and go risk again.”

He will be remembered mostly for his delightful demeanor and witty humor; his favorite saying later in life being, “up the creek and around the bend.”

A memorial service is being planned for August. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Habitat for Humanity of Addison County or Tunnel for Towers Foundation.◊