Dr. Robert "Bob" Vadas, Sr was beloved by many and will forever be missed. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and beloved friend. His kindness, generosity and positivity shone through everything that he did. Bob was a fighter, and was determined to not let his Parkinson's diagnosis define him. His strength and courage will always be one of his most admirable traits.

Bob was born and raised in New Jersey, son of Louis and Mary Vadas, and eldest brother to twin sisters. After graduating high school, Bob enlisted in the Marine Corps and started his military career by attending basic training at Parris Island in South Carolina. After boot camp, Bob was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and then traveled to the west coast to Camp Pendleton, California. He was promoted to Corporal upon leaving California and then traveled via a troopship to Taiwan, where he spent one year. Bob then went to Okinawa to serve in the Third Marine Division, where he was promoted to Sargent.

Bob and his wife Patricia met through her cousin while Bob was living and attending school in Utah, and it was love at first sight. They were married during his junior year of college. They had three children, a daughter and two sons.

Bob was a lover of knowledge, he obtained his PhD in Marine Biology and settled in New England. Flanked by the Atlantic Ocean, Bob researched the rocky New England coast and published many papers with his discoveries. Bob was a vital part of his universities inaugural oceanography program and a respected professor. His career at the school spanned forty-two and a half years until his retirement in 2009. 

Bob considers research trips to St. Croix, Bermuda, and the Antilles Islands to be among his most significant career accomplishments. He took a sabbatical to teach tropical marine classes, which allowed him to complete some unforgettable snorkeling expeditions. His tropical studies involved researching sea urchin and seagrass interactions in the West Caribbean. He found that disintegrating algae created the sand on the banks that served as crucial feeding grounds for sea turtles and habitats for bull sharks. Bob also spent a memorable month-long expedition diving with turtles and sharks in the Caribbean. A dedicated educator, Bob took special interest in his grad students and formed life long friendships with many.

Bob is predeceased by his two sisters, Mary Lou and Mary Ann. Bob is survived by his wife, Patricia, his children, eldest son, Robert "Bobby" Jr, daughter Sharon and her partner Erich, and youngest son Brent and his wife Dierdre. Grandchildren Tanisha and husband Chris, Mariah and husband Aaron, Aurora, Robert "Robby" III, Rebekah, Mariana, Jeremiah and many great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please share your best memory and pictures of Bob.