Vazzi

Robert Edward Vazzi, 65, of Savannah, Ga., passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Savannah, Ga., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. Bob was born July 29, 1958 in Staunton to the late Frank and Elizabeth (Straub) Vazzi.

Originally from Worden, 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, St. Louis County Department of Health and eventually OSHA. His career with OSHA took him from Belleville to Milwaukee, Wis., on to Mobile, Ala., and eventually Savannah, Ga. before retiring as Area Director in Dec. 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.

He is survived by his brothers Frank Vazzi (Sheryl) of Staunton, Jim Vazzi (Jan) of Hillsboro; sister-in-law, Rhonda Vazzi of Staunton; sister Lisa (Derek Steinmeyer) of Celina, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Donald and J.D.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 6, from 12-2 p.m. at the American Legion in Worden. Memorials are suggested to the American Legion in

Worden, and the Worden Fire Department.