Obituary of Robert A. Dyer

Captain Robert A. Dyer, USAFR, age 84, of Coventry, CT and Micco, FL, died August 24, 2015 at his Florida home from lung cancer. Bob was born July 28, 1931 in Haddonfield, NJ to his late parents Raymond and Mae Dyer. The youngest of six children, he is predeceased by sisters Doris Kron of Camp Hill, PA and Myra Crossman of Lake Worth, FL, and his brother Raymond Dyer of Havertown, PA. Bob’s family includes his wife of 22 years Kathy (Dunbar) Dyer, son Robert Dyer and wife Lily of Beverly, MA; son David Dyer of Baltimore, MD; and daughter Barbara Cupp and husband Gerry of Charlestown, WV. In addition, he is survived by Kathy’s daughter Lisa Campbell and husband Chris of Milford, MA and son Brian Lenfestey and wife Jacquelene of Denver, CO. His grandchildren are Robert, Kevin and Margaret Dyer; Nathan and Brianna Cupp; Tyler and Riley Campbell, and Brody and Lucy Lenfestey. Bob also leaves his sisters Gwen Dyer of Lake Worth, FL, Muriel Martin of Slidell, LA; mother in law Mollie Dunbar of West Hartford, CT; and sisters in law Pat Dyer of Havertown, PA and Chris Dunbar of Windsor, CT. Bob lived his life with intellectual curiosity, with high aspirations, and with a truly great sense of humor. Bob graduated from University of Miami with a degree in History, a passion he carried his entire life. Also an avid reader, he had a love of English literature and history from the Plantagenets through the Elizabethan era. And in retirement, he travelled extensively through Europe and Asia not only to experience cultures and societies, but to experience the specific historic scenes he had studied. After college, Bob volunteered to defend the United States during the Cold War, flying in F-89J Scorpion Nuclear Interceptors, and he commanded a USAF Reserve C-119 Flying Boxcar unit out of Westover, MA, serving 9 years in the US Air Force and Reserves. Then following his military service, he had a stellar 33-year career in sales, all with the same company, winning many top performance awards. Bob could find and inject humor in almost any situation with a disarming joke or a quip, something that put people at ease. His success in business and in personal relationships was a testament to his ability to make people laugh, feel comfortable and just enjoy a day. People loved working with him and that made him hugely successful. He was an avid sports fan and loved the Boston Red Sox as well as every University of Connecticut sports team. He particularly loved the Women’s basketball team, following the club with his wife to Versailles, France; Cancun, Mexico; and Nashville to watch their team win the 2014 national title. But Bob+óGé¼Gäós greatest joy was his family, he lived to make every one of their lives fulfilling, memorable and enjoyable. Plainly stated, he dedicated his life to the happiness of his family. He challenged them towards success and was completely supportive during trying times. He was the family+óGé¼Gäós wise sage that helped to guide their paths. With his union to Kathy, he adopted her family as his own and merged the two families in a loving and thoughtful way. He took great enjoyment in organizing family gatherings, both at home and on the road to Ireland, Cancun, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Lake Powell. He was a kind, thoughtful, caring man and we will miss everything about him. Our family thanks our Doctors Vizcarra, Greene, Layton, Merchant, and Chopra for guiding us, as well as Nurse-on-Call and Vitas Hospice for their compassionate care. Please share memories and sign guest book at www.afcfcare.com. Bob will be buried in The Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA with military honors when plans are finalized.Please make any memorial donations to the American Cancer Society.