Robert “Bob” Edward Vazzi, 65, of Savannah, Ga., died on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, unexpectedly at his residence. Williamson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Bob was born in Staunton, on July 29, 1958 the son of the late Frank and Elizabeth (Straub) Vazzi and they preceded him in death.

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 at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, where at a young age he completed 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, he earned a master’s degree in industrial hygiene. He worked over the years at Clark Oil and Shell Oil Company in Wood River and St. Louis County Department of Health, before beginning a long career with OSHA. His time with OSHA would see him work in Belleville, Ill., Milwaukee, Wis., Mobile, Ala., and eventually Savannah, Ga., where he retired as area director in Dec. of 2020.

Shortly after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Bob volunteered to travel to New York City to assist with fit-testing the workers at ground zero to help protect them from toxic gasses. He 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.

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. 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.

Bob 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.

He is survived by his brothers, Frank (Sheryl) Vazzi, Staunton and Jim (Jan) Vazzi, Hillsboro; sister-in-law Rhonda Vazzi, 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 noon to 2 p.m. at the American Legion in Worden. Memorials are suggested to either the Worden Fire Department or to the Worden American Legion Post # 564. Condolences may be left online at http://www.williamsonfh.com.