Robert (Bob) M. Ovitt, a resident of Russellville, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, February 7th, 2026
at his home surrounded by his family. Born in St. Albans on September 4th, 1946, the son of
the late Wyman R. and Beatrice (Flanagan) Ovitt, Bob was 79 years old.
Bob attended Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans, VT, graduating in 1964. He was an
outstanding athlete, especially on the baseball field as a catcher. He Joined the United States
Navy in 1964 upon his graduation from high school and proudly served his country for 3 years
as a Communication Yeoman. While serving he was awarded the National Defense Service
Medal and was honorably discharged. Bob was a signalman for the Central Vermont Railway
for approximately 33 years. He finished out his railroad career with the Providence Worcester
Railroad in Massachusetts before retiring in 2007. He retired to Alabama with his wife, Brenda
(Moore) Ovitt, whom he cherished and loved with all his heart, of Russellville, Alabama.
Bob was an avid deer hunter, enjoying many seasons at deer camp with his hunting buddies,
where he was known as; “Ma.” In Alabama, he was a member of the Cedar Hills Hunting Club. He
remained an avid hunter until his illness 9 months ago. He loved making his own bullets, going
to the shooting range, making the best apple pie and sitting outside throwing toys with his dogs.
Our dad loved watching his grandsons play sports during his yearly fall trips back to Vermont
and spending time with his daughters, family and friends. He was a man of few words, but big
actions and loved hard.
He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years Brenda (Moore) Ovitt, daughters, Heather (Tony)
Hawkins of Berkshire, VT, Lynn (Gordon) Nicholson of Darien, CT and stepson, Jonathan
Alsbrooks of Russellville, AL. His grandsons Aidan Kelly, Ian Nicholson, Mack Nicholson, and
AJ Hawkins. His step-granddaughters, Moriah and Shelby Hawkins and great grandson, Oliver
Brace. Sisters; Marilyn Toof, Sandra Yessian, Patricia Toth, Brother John Ovitt and Brother
in-law Joe Henderson. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews as well as his forever
hunting buddies; Bobby “Pete” Cross, Joe Pion, and Matt Mulheron and CVRR lifelong friend,
Bill Horton.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by; In-Laws, Norris and Catherine Moore, Brothers
Wyman Ovitt Jr., Thomas R. Ovitt, Brother-in-laws, Ron Toof, Charlie Yessian, James
Henderson, Leonard Henderson, Jr and Sister-in-laws, Elizabeth Ovitt, Susan Ovitt, Shirley
Henderson, and Juanita Henderson.
We would like to thank North Alabama Hospice nurses and staff, as they took amazing care
of Bob in his final days. A special thank you to Donna Taylor for her friendship and support
during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the National Park
Foundation at give.nationalparks.org.
Services in Alabama will be at Spry Memorial Chapel, Russellville, Alabama on Tuesday, February
10th, 2026. Visitation will be 1:00-3:00 pm, Funeral Service at 3:00 pm. A celebration of life will be held
in early June in his hometown of St. Albans, VT.
Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family.
