Robert H. Bayne III, known to all as Bob, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday, March 29, at the age of 59.

Born on March 27, 1967, in Stamford, CT, Bob was the beloved son of Robert H. Bayne, Jr. and Carol Bayne of Silvermine, CT, and Berkeley Bayne Ake and Philip Ake of New Canaan, CT and Church Hill, MD. He grew up in Darien, CT where he formed lifelong friendships and a deep love for family and community.

Bob attended local schools in Darien and later graduated from the Marvelwood School in Kent, CT. where he was elected Senior Class President. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Emerson College in Boston, pursuing a passion that would shape his professional life.

Following college, Bob became a well-known on-air personality at Cox Radio’s 95.9 The Fox in Connecticut, where he spent 15 years. His voice became instantly recognizable throughout Fairfield County, earning him a quiet but meaningful local celebrity. Toward the end of his broadcasting career, he co-founded an early internet streaming radio venture, INet Radio, helping pioneer a new era of radio.

Bob made his home in Rowayton, CT while also maintaining an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. He treasured his time in New York, especially long walks through Central Park. Walking was one of Bob’s great joys, whether with friends, family, or simply taking in the world around him.

A dedicated and generous leader, Bob served as Vice President of the Stranahan Foundation in Toledo, OH where he was actively involved in both the finance and grant committees for many years. As a thoughtful community steward, he worked closely with organizations such as the Adam J. Lewis Academy in Bridgeport, CT helping to support its mission through grant funding and advocacy.  He also gave back to his alma mater, serving on the board of the Marvelwood School for over a decade.

A passionate pilot, he earned his license in the early 1990s in Vero Beach, FL, and co-owned an airplane for many years. Flying was one of his great passions, and he even volunteered his time to help transport rescue dogs from southern shelters to safe homes in the north—a reflection of his generous spirit.

He found great peace and happiness at his family’s farm in Chestertown, Maryland, where he could often be found outdoors, especially on his beloved tractor mowing the fields—a simple joy he looked forward to every season. Bob loved being on the water, surrounded by nature, and in the company of those he loved.

Above all, Bob was a devoted son, a loving brother, and an extraordinary uncle. Besides his parents, he is survived by his sister, Berkeley “Missy” Bayne Soper and her husband, John Maxwell Soper of Southport, CT and Vero Beach, FL; his brother, John Lewis Bayne and his wife, Jeanne Coyer Bayne of Cornelius, NC; his stepbrother, Craig Michael Fatland of San Francisco, CA, his two stepsisters Laura Doreen Varga of Santa Fe, NM       and Kristen Weirwille of Grosse Pointe Woods, MI and his cherished niece and nephews, Page Stranahan Soper of Stamford, CT, John Maxwell Soper Jr. of NYC, John Lewis Bayne Jr. and Timothy Lord Bayne of Statesville, NC, along with four step-nieces and nephews: Ryan Frederick Dennehy and wife Amanda, James Patrick Dennehy, Cameron Marie Dennehy and Sabrina Jeanne Dennehy, all of Charlotte, NC.

Bob was deeply devoted to his family. He never missed a holiday, a graduation, or a meaningful life event. Whether gathering for Christmas, celebrating New Year’s with cousins in Sea Island, Georgia, or spending Thanksgivings on Bald Head Island or Fishers Island, Bob was always present—bringing warmth, humor, and love. To his nieces and nephews, he was not only an uncle but a constant, joyful presence—always there, always supportive, always just a phone call away.

Known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering loyalty, Bob was the kind of person who would drop everything to help someone in need. He was a true and dependable friend, a thoughtful listener, and someone who made life better simply by being in it. Bob will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held on April 14 at 11:00 am at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in New Canaan, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the endowment fund at Adam J. Lewis Academy at 500 State Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604.

The Family is being compassionately cared for by the staff at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan CT 06840. For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com