Robert Edward Vazzi

Robert Edward Vazzi passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Savannah, Georgia on December 14,
2023. He was 65.
Bob was born in Staunton, Illinois on July 29, 1958. He is survived by his brothers Frank Vazzi (Sheryl) of
Staunton, Jim Vazzi (Jan) of Hillsboro, sister-in-law Rhonda Vazzi of Staunton, and sister Lisa (Derek
Steinmeyer) of Celina, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his
parents, Frank and Elizabeth (Straub) Vazzi, and brothers Donald and JD.
Originally from Worden, Illinois, Bob took his studies seriously and graduated from Worden High School
in 1976 at the age of 16. He went on to SIU-Edwardsville at a young age to complete his Bachelor’s
degree. Bob was also elected to the Worden School Board, and was the youngest member to serve on
the board.
During his career, Bob earned a Master’s Degree in Industrial Hygiene. Over the years, he worked for
Clark Oil and Shell Oil Company in Wood River, Illinois, St. Louis County Department of Health and
eventually OSHA. His career with OSHA took him from Belleville, Illinois to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on to
Mobile, Alabama and eventually Savannah, Georgia before retiring as Area Director in December 2020.
Shortly after 9/11, Bob volunteered to travel to New York City to assist with fit-testing the workers at
Ground Zero to help protect them from the toxic gases.
He loved to travel, take care of his yard and plants, and cook. He was ‘famous’ for his extraordinary
cheesecakes and was even featured in a story in the St. Louis Post Dispatch years ago.
Bob 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.
His pride and joy, however, were his Westie dogs, Callie and Clyde.
Bob 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. Bob especially loved to host family and
friends at his beautiful home in Savannah, serving as chef and tour guide and treating each guest with
such care and hospitality to make every visit enjoyable and memorable.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 6 th , from 12-2 at the American Legion in Worden,
Illinois. Memorials are suggested to the American Legion in Worden, and the Worden Fire Department.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Edward Vazzi, please visit our floral store.