Sharon, VT – Robert Cruz, 88, died peacefully early Saturday morning, January 8, 2022, at Springfield Rivers Nursing Facility in Springfield, VT.  Robert was born on October 21, 1933, in Bethel, VT one of four children of Vicente and Eva (Fumagalli) Cruz. Robert's father passed away from stonecutter's consumption when Robert was very young. Later, his mother would marry Harry Sargent Sr., who helped to raise him.

His hard work ethic began as a young boy, working with his stepfather and siblings on the family farm on Camp Brook Road in Bethel. After graduating from eighth grade, he left school and started helping around the farm and in the sawmill full time.  Robert was known to have a way with animals of all kinds. The family even had a pet deer named Bambi that would sleep on Robert's bed. When Robert wasn't doing farm chores, he could be found outside enjoying nature, helping to develop a lifelong love of hunting and fishing.

Robert was drafted into the army in 1956 and he completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Hoping to be sent to the South Seas he got all the required shots for that part of the world only to be stationed in Germany. He was assigned to the third armored division rifle battalion, where he represented his company in shooting competitions because of his excellent marksmanship.

In the prime of his life, he and his brother Harry Sargent Jr., began their own scrap yard salvaging parts from cars and tractors.  During this time, he obtained a 1931 Olds and a 1929 Durant which he tinkered on. On August 2, 1975, he married Sarah Gordon and decided to go into something a bit more profitable than the scrape business.  He began his long and successful career as a heavy equipment operator.  Robert first worked for Carroll Construction out of Williamstown, VT.  This job took him all around New England, weeks at a time coming home only on the weekends. He would eventually work for United Construction out of Newport, NH and Lebanon Sand and Gravel before retiring in 2005.

Upon his retirement Robert was able to spend more time doing the things he enjoyed like traveling, reading, and marksmanship. He took several Caribbean cruises with his wife Sarah and daughter Loretta, as well as a month-long road trip to tour the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. Alaska had always fascinated him, and he spent a vacation panning for gold, fishing and sightseeing with his son Gordon and daughter Loretta. He was an avid civil war buff and once spent two weeks touring battlefields with his daughter. Robert was a member of the Lamoille Valley Fish and Game Club and the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association which allowed him to make friends with other gun enthusiasts. He continued to be a fine marksman well into his later years.

Family was very important to Robert, and he was the happiest when he was with his family. He eagerly looked forward to winter when he would compete in primitive biathlons with his children and grandson or the early spring when he would tap trees for sugaring on the farm with his brother Harry. In addition, to his own children he was a foster parent for over twenty years, caring for all of them as his own. Robert was admired and looked up to by all his family for his calm, steady and gentle nature making him easily approachable.

After transitioning to Springfield Rivers Robert received comfort and companionship from his wife Sarah and daughters Marianne and Loretta. His family would like to thank the hospice workers from Bayada and the nursing staff at Springfield Rivers for their care.

He was predeceased by three sisters, Ramona Davis, Catherine Bollman, and Gloria Denny  Robert is survived by his wife, Sarah of Sharon, VT, daughters, Marianne Benoir of Sharon, VT, Loretta Cruz and her husband, Aaron Agnew of South Ryegate, VT, son Gordon Cruz, wife Bonnie and grandson Cole Robert(of whom he was very proud) of Springfield, NH, sisters, Margie Mazzitelli of Fort Covington, NY, Shirley Bolanowski of Shelby Township, MI, brothers, Harry Sargent of Bethel, VT and Henry Sargent of Sanford, ME, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, January 16, 2022, from 1-3PM at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT.  A graveside service will be held at 1PM on Friday, July 1, 2022 in the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, VT.

Memorial contributions may be made to your local humane society or veterans' charity of your choice.  Condolences for Robert's family may be left at and online guest book at www.knightfuneralhomes.com

The Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., is honored to be assisting the Cruz family with arrangements.