Robert J. Vagell

On the morning of Friday, November 20, 2020 Robert Vagell passed away peacefully in his home in Toms River, N.J. After a courageous battle with cancer, Bob left us and made his way to the kingdom of the Lord, his soul finally at peace and resting as it should amongst the many friends and loved ones he grieved for throughout the years. 

Robert Vagell was born in Passaic, NJ on March 14, 1932. After attending high school in Bogota, New Jersey, Bob joined the Marine Corps at the age of 18. He earned the rank of Sergeant and served in the 1st Marine Division during the Korean War. Bob received an Honorable Discharge in July of 1950, and though his years of service officially ended that year, he was a devoted and well-respected member of the Marines for the rest of his days.

After serving his country in the Marine Corps, Bob spent much of his professional life in construction management. He studied at Newark College of Engineering (now known as NJIT), and for nearly fifty years thereafter, he was involved in a wide variety of highway, bridge, and building construction projects throughout the New York metropolitan area. Bob spent several years as a construction manager for Ole Hanson and Cashin, Spinelli, Heller and Ferretti, LLC, and others, his experiences in the field of construction allowed him to acquire tremendous knowledge of America’s infrastructure. This knowledge gave Bob a unique perspective on American architecture and various national monuments, while also making him an interesting conversationalist. His work in construction, while certainly not the most important element of his life, was symbolic of his commitment to his personal and professional duties. In short, Bob was a hard worker, and anyone who knew him could see as much.

Throughout his life, Bob was a devout Catholic and loyal adherent to the principles of his religion. He was a communicant of St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Berkeley, N.J. and at Holy Family Lakewood, N.J. Bob’s commitment to his faith was very much a central aspect of who he was. The lives he touched will mitigate the sadness of his loss by trusting that he was welcomed into God’s kingdom where he will rejoin his longtime partner Evelyn Wilkins, his two brothers Dr. John Vagell, Edward Vagell, and other loved ones.

Bob is survived by his ex-wife, Frances Vagell; his son, Robert Vagell, his son Timothy Vagell and his wife Valerie; his daughter, Amanda Vagell ; his stepson, Christopher Wilkins his wife Shannon and their three children; his grandsons, Jake Vagell  and Adam Vagell; and two great grandchildren and a host of loved ones and friends of Bill Wilson.

We are all blessed to have spent quality time with a man who was kind, courteous, generous, and full of love.

A Memorial Service will be held at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd, Newtown, PA on Friday June 11, 2021 at 1:30PM.