Columbus, OH — Robert E. Lussier, 94, died March 19, 2024.

He was born in Benson, Vt., on March 13, 1930, to Leonard W. Sr. and Bernice (Munger). On June 16, 1951, he married Theresa (Oram). They were married for 67 years before her passing in March 2019. Together, they lovingly raised their daughter, Erin.

Mr. Lussier attended local schools and enlisted in the United States Army at the end of his high school years. He worked as a laborer and farmer and in his later years was a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service.

He enjoyed horses and harness racing, having owned many Standardbreds over the years. Buying horses, watching them train and race was one of his greatest passions. For many years, he trained his own horses at a track in Fair Haven and then at his own track in Benson. He made many lifelong friends through his horse racing affiliations and bought his last horse, Martinsville, only a few months ago. For many years, he drove the starting gate at New York County Fairs, which he didn’t stop doing until he was 90 years old.

To say he enjoyed a casino is an understatement. At the casino in Saratoga and in Pompano, Fla., you could find him at a poker machine or playing blackjack. If asked how he could risk losing money gambling, he would say, “You have to speculate to accumulate.”

He will be remembered for his kindness, positive attitude and witty sayings that he seemed to be able to come up with to fit any occasion. His philosophy of life was, if you can’t do anything about it, don’t worry about it.

He is survived by his daughter, Erin (Vic) Peteani; grandsons, Michael (Annmarie) Peteani and Seth Peteani; nieces and nephews, Lisa, Bonnie, Katherine, Nick, Danny and Barry and their extended families. In addition to his wife, mother and father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Leonard Jr.

It would be remiss not to mention that he was able to stay in his home as he wished for the last several years under the loving care of Carol Haley and her husband Nelson.

A private, graveside service will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Benson, Vt. on Sunday (June 16) at 2 p.m. The service will be in honor of both Robert and Theresa on their 73rd wedding anniversary and they will be interred together. Family and friends are invited to join Robert and Theresa’s family to fondly remember and pay tribute to them both after this service at 3 p.m. at their home at 516 Lake Road, Benson, Vt.