Robert "Bob" Malcolm Yaguda

Born on October 5, 1931, in Albany, New York, Bob was the son of Louis and Clara Yaguda, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in Albany and attended Syracuse University, where he developed the work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit that would guide his life.

On December 31, 1955, Bob married the love of his life, Joan whom he alone called “Chuckie.” Their New Year’s Eve wedding suited a man who appreciated both good timing and celebration. They shared 65 devoted years of marriage until Joan’s passing on January 20, 2021. To know Bob was to know how deeply he loved his bride. If there was a trip to be planned especially somewhere warm he was happiest arranging a surprise getaway, from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands to the North Carolina mountains, and eventually to the North Carolina coast they would come to call home.

Bob built a successful career in residential and commercial real estate, primarily in Delmar, New York, where he partnered in and owned his own company. A natural entrepreneur, he earned professional recognition and the respect of colleagues through hard work, integrity, and an instinct for opportunity. He maintained a lifelong interest in investments and finance. Business was serious work but Bob himself rarely took life too seriously.

Over the years, Bob and Joan made homes in Albany and Delmar, New York including cherished time at their cottage on Friends Lake in the Adirondacks before moving south to Sanford, Cary, and eventually Emerald Isle, North Carolina. Whether at the lake or the coast, Bob was happiest wherever Joan was.

He was a character in the best sense light-hearted, humorous, and always ready with a story. He enjoyed good restaurants, meeting new people, and recounting adventures and the occasional foibles he and Joan encountered along the way. He especially enjoyed delivering a well-timed joke. If someone arrived unexpectedly for a visit, he would greet them with his familiar, amused, “Well, well, well,” as though he had been expecting them all along. And if anyone dared to sleep later than he did, they were likely to hear his cheerful greeting: “Good Morning, breakfast lover.”

Though lighthearted, Bob cared deeply for others and was steadfastly loyal to his friends. His friendships endured for decades, built on reliability, honesty, and shared laughter.

Bob was also a man who appreciated a schedule. For many years, his mornings began with one cup of coffee and a bagel, and dinner was at 5:00 p.m. sharp. He believed in starting the day properly and ending it on time and he usually did.

Above all, Bob was a traditional family man. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Louis Yaguda and wife Julianne; grandchildren Zachary (Keely), Andy (Melissa), and Kathryn; and great-grandchildren Ellie and Harrison (children of Zachary and Keely), and Sasha (child of Andy and Melissa). He is also survived by Nancy Yaguda, mother of Zachary and Andy, who remains a special part of the family, and by the “too many to mention” Staub clan, whom he warmly embraced as extended family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan Osborn Yaguda; his daughter, Robin Jean Yaguda, who passed away in 1990; and his parents.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Bob’s devoted caregivers in his final chapter, whose compassion and kindness brought comfort and dignity to his days.

No immediate formal services will be held but we will hold a celebration of his life this summer.

A life marked by love, laughter, loyalty, and a well-timed dinner hour is one beautifully lived.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Yaguda family.