Robert "Bob" W. Vandegrift

Robert “Bob” W. Vandegrift of Bonita Springs, FL, formerly of Burlington, NJ sadly passed away at home February 13, 2022 at the age of 98. Bob held multiple positions during his many years, though most proud of serving as a Chief Corpsman for the Navy and Marine Corp.

Bob was born October 3, 1923 in Burlington, NJ to Harry and Christine (Prager) Vandegrift. Graduated from Wilbur Watts High School in 1941 and joined the Navy in 1942 to 1945 and was a Chief Cropsman in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters of war. He was called back for the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Bob served on the hospital ship, Tranquility, and the Latimer, as well as on land.

Upon returning home, Bob was employed as a foreman of the Roebling Fire & Emergeny Company and Chief of the Roebling Rescue Squad in NJ. He was also a scout master for 8 years in Roebling, inspiring countless youngsters to achieve goals, find their life path, and excel in their endeavors. Always a people person, he enjoyed, owned and managed several restaurants and lounges in NJ.

Bob attended classes at Cook College and Rutgers University in NJ, securing an inspection position with the State of NJ, Department of Environmental Protection. After many years, he would eventually retire from the State as a chief investigator. Additionally, Bob was a councilman for the City of Burlington, NJ from 1985 to 1987, and became Mayor of the City from 1991 to 1995, after which he and his wife, Anita, retired to Bonita Springs, FL where he remained active in the political arena within Lee County. He was a life member of the Men’s Club of Spanish Wells, member of the American Legion and VFW in Burlington, NJ and Bonita Springs, FL, and attended several local churches and bible studies.

Serving on the Board of Regents for Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, he became a personal friend of Dr. Falwell and his family, professors and staff, dedicated to supporting students so they could enter the world and become “Champions for Christ”.

Bob enjoyed fishing, conversation and meeting people. As an active reader, he would often visit the Bonita Springs library. In past years, he spent time in woodworking, gardening, and attending gospel concerts.

Preceded in death by his mother, Christine and fathers, Harry Vandegrift, sisters Dorothy Major, Marjorie Stoddard, Ruth Cliver and Margaret Schaum; brother William Vandegrift. He leaves four children, Robert (Debbie) Vandergrift of Weatherford, TX; Paulette Vandegrift of Roebling, NJ; Donna Green-Abrams (Tom) of Providence Forge, VA; and Claudia (Martin) D’Autrechy of Burlington, NJ; eight grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and nephew Joseph Cliver; as well as many friends and acquaintances.