Montpelier, VT Robert Louis Lizzari, Sr., a well known central Vermont professional photographer for over fifty years, died peacefully on February 13, 2017 in Montpelier, Vermont. Born in Montpelier on July 26, 1935, he was the son of the late Angelo Joseph and Rena Nelson Lizzari Conti. He graduated from St. Michael's High School in 1954, and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served with HQ of the 1820th AACS Group, Ramstein AFB Germany, the 1815 AACS Group, Wheelus Field, Tripoli Libya, North Africa, and the 380th Bombardment Wing of Plattsburgh, NY. Released from active duty in 1958, he received an honorable discharge in 1962. Bob enlisted in the Vermont Air National Guard in 1975, and retired as a Senior Master Sargent in 1995. He was selected as NCO of the Quarter for the 158th Supply Squadron and Unit Career Advisor of the Year for the 158th Fighter Group. During his military tenure, he was the recipient of the "Meritorious Service Medal" as well as numerous other awards and honors. In 1958, he attended the Dorscher School of Photography, and graduated with a degree in commercial, portrait and illustrative photography, and then became the second generation of the family business, Lizzari Photographic, in Montpelier, VT. A graduate of the New England Institute of Professional Photography, he also had the privilege of studying with the world famous pictorial photographer Adolph Fassbender, M.Photog. and Hon. M.Photog. On September 5, 1959, Bob married the love of his life and his best friend, (the late) Shirley N. Smith. They worked together at Lizzari Photographic for nearly 50 years, until retiring from the business in 2007. Bob was a Past President and a Life Member of the Professional Photographers Association of New England, and a Past President and Honorary Life Member of the Vermont Professional Photographers - where he served as a trustee for the VPP Burnham Scholarship Fund. His photographic accolades included being the first Vermont photographer to become a nationally "Certified Professional Photographer". In 1999, he was presented with the prestigious "Diamond Award" from Photographers Color Service and PPANE for "outstanding skill and achievement in the field of professional photography". A member of the Professional Photographers of America, he served for many years as the Vermont Liaison to the Certification Committee. He was the recipient of the PPA "National Award"- the highest honor given "for service to the industry of professional photography". Bob was a Past Exalted Ruler of the Montpelier Lodge of Elks #924, and served as the the Secretary/Treasurer of the Past Exalted Rulers Association. He was a member of the Mutuo in Barre, VT, the American Legion Post # 3 Montpelier, the Air Force Sargent's Association, and he participated in many other professional and civic organizations including as Commander of Cadets of the 44033rd Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol and co-chairman of Cub Scout Pack 15. He enjoyed deer hunting camp in Chelsea, ice fishing at Keelers Bay, and playing cards with friends. His favorite memories included summer vacations on Cape Cod, Hampton Beach, Old Orchard Beach, Wells Beach, and later, summers spent in Florida. A member of St. Augustine Church in Montpelier, he served as an usher, and a member of the Parish Council, the Finance and the Centenary committees. More recently, he volunteered many hours of bringing laughter and smiles to the Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Berlin, VT. Having photographed many generations of local families, and also easily recognized by dignitaries, it is easy to see the legacy of Bob's life is not only found in images - but in the indelible memories and laughs he shared with everyone who considered him a friend. He is survived by his three sons, Robert L. Lizzari, Jr, and his companion Kristine Struminsky, of Montpelier, and his sons Matthew (and his wife Ashley) and Kristopher; Col. Richard A. Lizzari and his wife Rosemary, of Underhill, and their children Hilari (and her husband Matt and daughter Hannah), David, Joe and Aimee (and her son Austin); Michael Lizzari and his wife Pam, of Worcester, and son Jason; and a daughter, Linda Stokes of Groton, and her children Christopher and Nicole (and her husband David). He was predeceased by his wife of over 52 years, Shirley, in 2012, a daughter Vanessa Ann, in 1963, a sister, Mrs. Lucian (Elenora J.) Lemery, in 2007, and his parents. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Augustine Church, 16 Barre St., Montpelier, VT 05602. Visiting hours will be held from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, February 17, 2017 at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School St, Montpelier, VT. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Saturday, February 18 at St. Augustine Church, 16 Barre St, Montpelier, VT. Committal with military honors of both Bob and Shirley will be scheduled in May, 2017 at Green Mount Cemetery in Montpelier, VT.