Montpelier, VT Robert Clinton Cody, 86, died peacefully Sunday, March 6, 2011 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 30, 1924 in Burlington VT to Richard and Lillian Cody. Bob was a lifelong resident of Montpelier. After graduating from St. Michael's Elementary and St. Michael's High School, Bob attended Williams College Naval Officer Candidate School. Following his discharge from the Navy in 1945, he returned to Montpelier and joined his father and siblings in the family business. Bob married Janice M. Bacon, his high school sweetheart, on October 28, 1947 at St. Augustine's Church. They lived their entire married life on Elm Street in Montpelier. Anyone who met them, knew theirs was truly a love made in heaven. A devoted husband, father and family man, his family cherished his love and wisdom that he so freely shared. Bob imparted life lessons in every living room story centered around family, faith, loyalty, patriotism, and living one's life to the fullest. A lifelong member of St. Augustine's Parish he served in many capacities for the Monsignors and Sisters of Mercy. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, Elks Club, and Knights of Columbus. He served on the Board of the Vermont National Bank for over 20 years. He was a proud citizen of Montpelier and served on various civic committees. Together with his parents and siblings, the Cody family was pivotal in many community enterprises. In his early years, Bob worked with his father and brothers in the family business, Montpelier Ice Company. There are central Vermonters who still remember those ice deliveries. The family enterprise grew into a myriad of businesses - the Strand Theater, Paramount Theatre, Capitol Theatre, Strong Theatre, Moonlight and Twin City Drive In Theaters, Capitol City Bowling Lanes and numerous buildings in downtown Montpelier. In 1956, Bob and his brothers embarked on a new venture purchasing the Chevrolet franchise and later MidTown Chrysler. Over time he became the sole owner and president of Cody Chevrolet, Inc. and operated the business until his death. The American car business was his passion. His loyal employees will surely miss "the Boss". A huge sports enthusiast, he was a 4-year letterman in Basketball and Baseball at St. Michael's High, State and New England Champion candlepin bowler. Bob was an avid tennis player, known to his tennis friends as the "human backboard." He was one of the founding members of the Central Vermont Tennis Association. He supported and guided his children and grandchildren through years of basketball, baseball, track, tennis, and swimming. All through the years and right to the end, he followed the Yankees, Notre Dame, and Duke. Besides his loving wife Janice, Bob leaves his seven children, Diane M. Patno and her husband William of Montpelier, Gen (Ret) Richard A. Cody and his wife Vicki of McLean, VA, William P. Cody and his wife Paula of Montpelier, Cathi A. Cody-Hudson and her husband Peter of Burlington, Robin C. Nicholson and her husband Mark of Barre, Robert C. Cody II and his wife Dena of Montpelier, and Lauri A. Cody and her husband Carl of Attleboro, MA. He also leaves his fifteen grandchildren: William Patno II, Robert Scott Patno, Cody Patno, Maj. Clinton Cody, Maj. Tyler Cody, Maj. Jason Cody, Maj. R. Todd Cody, CPT (Dr.) John Cody, Stephanie Cody, Christopher Hudson, Colin Hudson, Robert Cody III, Carson Cody, Hanna Fritz and Nicholas Fritz as well as his five great-grandchildren: W. Cole Patno, Jadyn Patno, Eli Patno, Austin Cody and Zachary Cody. Bob also leaves his brothers Rayden J. Cody and his wife Ann, Conrad M. Cody and his wife Bettie, Donald M. Cody and his wife Yolande, his sister, Mary C. Bashara and her husband Frederick as well as many nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews, who will miss Uncle Bob's fried chicken. He is predeceased by his parents Richard and Lillian Cody, Jan's parents Arthur and Constance Bacon and his aunt and uncle Nellie and Joseph Ziter. Visitation hours will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at Guare & Sons Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be held Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at 2:00 PM at St. Augustine's Church in Montpelier. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: St. Augustine's Parish, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier VT 05602.