Robert "BoB" Perreault

Robert Arthur Perreault, known with affection as Bob, was born in Barre, Vermont, on November 28, 1948. Raised by his devoted parents, Joseph and Catherine (MacKenzie) Perreault, alongside four siblings, he spent his youth in the Vermont communities of South Burlington and Barre. Bob graduated from Spaulding High School in 1966.

In November 1966, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy, specializing in internal communications. After completing electronics training in Illinois, he served aboard the USS Semmes, where he completed two Mediterranean tours, twenty Caribbean tours, and one North Atlantic tour. He was honorably discharged in August 1969.

Bob earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Business and Economics from the University of Vermont in 1973. He later earned an MBA in Operations Research and Management from Virginia Tech, Pamplin College of Business, in 1986.

Bob dedicated his professional life to American veterans, beginning his career with the VA in Washington, District of Columbia. Rising quickly to Assistant Director in Providence, Rhode Island, he demonstrated his resolve during the blizzard of 1978 by remaining on site for days to coordinate emergency helicopter supplies. This early trial became a lifelong testament to his steadfast commitment, moral resolve, and enduring devotion to those who served their country.

He subsequently served as Director and Chief Executive Officer of VA hospitals in Newington, Connecticut; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Atlanta, Georgia; and Charleston, South Carolina. In Atlanta, he also held regional responsibility for VA hospitals across Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, a testament to his administrative leadership.

When President George H. W. Bush elevated the VA to Cabinet status, Bob returned to Washington as a Senior Executive within the Veterans Health Administration. He advocated with moral conviction for veterans’ benefits and testified regularly before Congressional and Senate committees. Following the election of Barack Obama, he was invited to serve as the VA Health Care Team Leader for the transition team, a distinction he deeply cherished.

Even in retirement, Bob sustained his lifelong crusade as a lobbyist for veterans’ rights with CACI International Inc. and Health Net Federal Services, ensuring that national obligations to veterans remained a priority.

Beyond his career, Bob embraced life with vigor. He found joy in sailing, skiing, riding his Harley, and the camaraderie of the annual Brothers Golf tournament. A devoted New York Yankees fan in a family of Boston Red Sox supporters, he relished the spirited banter that deepened their family bond, untouched by any season’s outcome.

On March 29, 2018, Bob married Cynthia McCray. They shared a joyful life in Las Vegas, Nevada, until his passing.

Bob is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his stepson, Nicholas; his daughter, Emily Perreault; his grandson, Jonathan Hurley; and his beloved dog, Saucy. He is also survived by his siblings: Stephen and his wife, Nadia; Ricky and his wife, Anna; Gregory; and Denise and her husband, Timothy; along with many nieces, nephews, an uncle, aunts, and cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Catherine Perreault.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled Veterans National Foundation , Disabled Veterans National Foundation 4601 Forbes Blvd., Suite #130, Lanham, Maryland 20706, US, or at www.dvnf.org.