Robert “Bob” Edward Vazzi, 65, of Savannah, GA, died on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, unexpectedly at his residence.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 6, from noon to 2 p.m. at the American Legion in Worden. Williamson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Mr. Vazzi was born in Staunton on July 29, 1958, the son of Frank and Elizabeth (Straub) Vazzi. Growing up in Worden, he took his studies seriously and graduated from Worden High School in 1976, at the age of 16. He continued his education and Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, where at a young age he completed his bachelor’s degree. Mr. Vazzi was also elected to the Worden School Board, and was the youngest member to serve on the board.
During his career, Mr. Vazzi earned a master’s degree in industrial hygiene. He worked over the years at Clark Oil and Shell Oil Company in Woodriver and St. Louis County Department of Health, before beginning a long career with OSHA. His time with OSHA would see him work in Belleville, Milwaukee, WI, Mobile, AL, and eventually Savannah, GA, where he retired as area director in December of 2020. Shortly after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Mr. Vazzi volunteered to travel to New York City to assist with fit-testing the workers at ground zero to help protect them from toxic gases.
Mr. Vazzi loved to travel, take care of his yard and plants and cook. He was ‘famous’ for his extraordinary cheesecakes, and had even been featured in a St. Louis Dispatch story. Mr. Vazzi loved art and antiques, and was as creative as he was handy. He could repair antique wood furniture, re-cane a chair, paint a gorgeous sunset and arrange the most beautiful floral decorations. He was gifted in so many ways, and his home reflected his talents and good taste.
He loved to spoil his many nieces and nephews, and in the early years, his “little sister,” taking her on vacations to places like San Francisco, Biloxi and the Bahamas. Mr. Vazzi especially loved to host friends and family at his beautiful home in Savannah, serving as chef and tour guide. He treated each guest with such care and hospitality to make every visit enjoyable and memorable.
His pride and joy, however, was always his Westie dogs, Callie and Clyde.
Mr. Vazzi is survived by his brothers Frank (Sheryl) Vazzi of Staunton and Jim (Jan) Vazzi of Hillsboro, sister-in-law Rhonda Vazzi of Staunton and sister Lisa (Derek) Steinmeyer of Celina, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Donald and J.D.
Memorials are suggested to either the Worden Fire Department or to the Worden American Legion Post # 564. Condolences may be left online at www.williamsonfh.com.
