Robert M. Slate, 76, of Lebanon, CT, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2024, after a period of declining health due to lung cancer.

Rob (or Bob to some) was born in Hartford, CT, on October 16, 1947, to Alton Kingsley Slate and Esther “Susie” Atwell Slate. He grew up in Lebanon on the family homestead, attending Lebanon schools and graduated from Lyman Memorial High School in 1965. He then went on to attend Delaware Valley College where he studied chemistry. He married his first wife, Joyce Mayo, in 1968. In 1969, upon receiving his draft letter, he joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from DVC. He graduated from pilot training in 1971 and went on to command a KC-135 Stratotanker crew charged with refueling B-52 bombers, attaining the rank of Captain in 1973.

During his time in the Air Force, Rob and Joyce made their home at several bases around the US: San Antonio (TX), Laredo (TX), Merced (CA) and Rome (NY). Wendy Kay, their only child, was born in February 1973 while they were in Rome/Utica. Upon his return from Thailand after months overseas, Wendy didn’t recognize him – and he decided that was too high a price to pay. In 1976, he was honorably discharged and the family moved back to Lebanon where they purchased a home built in 1870 that Rob improved and renovated over many years. He was incredibly handy – whether it was a construction, electrical, mechanical, or woodworking project, he took pride in his work and it showed.

Upon returning to Lebanon, Rob joined the family insurance business, working with his father and mother at J.P. Mustard Agency in Willimantic, CT. Rob continued to run the business until he sold it in 2021 to start his retirement. Throughout the years, he took the time to know his customers and help them throughout their lives.

Rob met Kim in 2007 and they eventually married in 2017. He seemed to find true happiness with Kim, as they enjoyed many of the same things – including socializing with friends, visiting the shore for seafood dinners, and traveling to Maine each year. Together, they spent time in the gardens and in the yard, visiting family along the East Coast, and just being best friends.

Family was of the utmost importance to Rob. His mother “infected” him with a keen interest in genealogy and he has left us with a vast and detailed family history. He beamed when telling stories about his grandson playing hockey and relished the times they had together to do important “guy things”: fishing, target practice with the BB gun, driving the tractor or ATV, visiting the New England Air Museum, and riding together in his 1951 Ford F1. For many years, he hosted family Christmas Eve and an annual Fourth of July picnic for family and friends.

Rob was actively involved in the community for many years. He was a member of the Board of Finance (18 years), Inland Wetlands Commission (41 years), Republican Town Committee, Lebanon Lions Club (42 years), and the American Legion Post 180 (47 years); and was Treasurer for the Lebanon Historical Society (25 years) and the Lebanon Country Fair. He also received several awards over the years for his contributions, including the Knights of the Blind Award in 2023.

One group he was most proud to be a part of was the Eastern Connecticut Veterans in Willimantic, CT. He was an early member who helped to grow the group and was devoted to helping his fellow veterans get access to the benefits they deserve.

Rob leaves his wife, Mary Kimberly Latrobe; his daughter and son-in-law, Wendy & Jon Berman, and his beloved grandson, Thatcher Berman of Blandford, MA; his brothers and sister-in-law, Jon Slate, Timothy & Linda Slate of Lebanon; nieces and their spouses, Kimberly Abell & Michael Shaw, Kelley & Chris Nakos, and Lindsay & Cyril Green III; nephews, Jason Slate and Jesse Slate; great- nephews and nieces, Cole & Austin Abell, Tyler Slate, Stella Shaw, Cyril & Rowan Green, and Cody & Kora Nakos; and many dear friends, including members of his high school class who visited him throughout his illness.

The family would like to thank: Dr. Harchandani and the nurses at UMASS Memorial Cancer Center for the love and care they provided for Rob, and in helping to extend his life to reach the goal of seeing his grandson graduate from high school; and the nurses and care providers of Hartford Healthcare at Home Hospice who were incredibly caring and supportive in his last weeks.

Services with full military honors followed by a Celebration of Life will take place at 2:00PM on Monday, June 24, 2024, at the Lebanon Fairgrounds, 122 Mack Road, Lebanon, CT 06249. A private procession from the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home to the fairgrounds will begin at 1:00PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Lebanon Historical Society Slate Genealogy Fund, P.O. Box 151, Lebanon, CT 06249.

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