Robert D. Rachlin, 89, died peacefully on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at his home in Burlington, Vt. His wife, Catharine, to whom he was married for over 45 years, was by his side.
Robert was born in West Hartford, Conn., in 1936, the son of Pauline and John C. Rachlin. He was predeceased by his sister Eleanor Kooby. Robert was a graduate of Yale University and the University of Chicago Law School. In 1959, he relocated to St. Johnsbury, Vt., where he became partners with John Downs. The later addition of Allen Martin established the law firm of Downs Rachlin & Martin (DRM), which grew over the years to become the largest law firm in the state of Vermont.
Robert had a distinguished legal career, representing a wide range of clients and interests over a period of more than 60 years. In keeping with his lifelong commitment to social justice, he provided pro bono legal services to detainees held in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. Robert was also a gifted concert pianist, performing throughout New England as a founding member of the Vermont Chamber Group, an accomplished instrument rated pilot and flight instructor who flew his own plane for years, and a talented linguist with a working knowledge of numerous languages, including German, French, Spanish, Russian, Greek and Hebrew. He was an adjunct lecturer, Department of German and Russian at the University of Vermont, and visiting associate professor at the Vermont Law School.
Robert was an active member and participant in the Burlington Chabad community. He devoted many years to the study of Torah and Chassidic thought.
All who knew Robert were struck by his approachable and inquisitive nature, as well as his extraordinary intellect and lightning-quick wit. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Catharine, and their daughter, Julia; his four children from a previous marriage: Deborah, Paul, Rebecca and John; 10 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
Burial was held on Tuesday, December 30, at Ahavath Gerim Cemetery in South Burlington. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of LaVigne Funeral & Cremation Services. To send condolences to his family, please visit vtfuneralhomes.com.
This article appears in January 7 • 2026.
A true scholar, a phenomenal trial, lawyer, and one of the most effective cross-examination in Vermont. His talents will be sorely missed, but he took time to pass on many of the “tricks of the trade“ to a younger generation.
He was a great flight, instructor, and taught me a lot about twin engine technique. God bless and Godspeed.
Bob was an avid chamber music musician (piano), who often played music with my late husband, Sandor S. Shapiro, MD (violin) , and the late Peter Brown (cello) a member of the UVM Music Faculty. All enjoyed each others’ company immensely.
Susan E Rittenhouse, PhD. Professor Emerita, Biochemistry, Kimmel Cancer Center
Wit indeed, and a twinkle in his eye. Bob did so much, for so many. He is, and will always be, missed. Look to his memory, think of him when music fills a room, seek understanding, and be inspired to do loving and compassionate things always.
Cheryl King Fischer, Greensboro, Vermont
Bob was a mentor in many ways to me. I would be the lawyer or person that I am if I hadn’t met Bob. A giant has passed, but his legacy will be handed over to others for a long time to come.
I’d known Bob for almost 27 years, and I have many wonderful memories of our trips to Boston back then and his tireless practice of German. He was a great mentor for me as an intern at DRM in 1999 and gave me the opportunity to learn his viewpoints on life, politics, music and legal practice so that I had a lot to take with me when I returned to Germany to become a judge here. He was a remarkable person and very dear friend and will be greatly missed. I will always carry him in my heart. The world would be a better place if he still was around.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Cathy.
Karen Wark