Robert Frank "Bob" Vasquez

1934 - 2025

Robert Frank "Bob" Vasquez

October 4, 1934 - December 3, 2025

Robert Frank "Bob" Vasquez, beloved father, teacher, mentor, friend and community advocate, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025 at Dogwood Village Nursing Home in Orange, Va. He was 91 years old and preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Elinor St. Clair Vasquez. He is survived by his children, Mary Catherine Vasquez Bauer (partner, Maurice Cazeault) of Orange, Robert Frank Vasquez of Orange and Neta Vasquez Davis (spouse, Steven) of Charlottesville; his grandchildren, Ryann Fleming Castaneda (spouse, Rick), Robert Frank Vasquez III, Margaret Katherine McGovern Vasquez, Zachary James Davis, Chloe Anne Davis; and his great-grandchild, Isabella Gloria Castaneda.

He was born on October 4, 1934, in Moundsville, W.Va., to the late Frank and Mary Vasquez. As a longtime resident of Orange County, he served Woodberry Forest School and the community of Orange for nearly four decades. His life was defined by service, kindness, humor, and lifting others up.

Bob earned his undergraduate degree from Marshall University and completed his graduate degree in Spanish Studies at the University of Virginia. In 1961, he began working at Woodberry Forest School, where he taught Spanish, coached third-form football and basketball, helped establish the school's Advanced Placement program, and served in numerous leadership roles, including in the college admissions office, the summer school program, the college counseling office, and as chair of the foreign language department.

His dedication earned him the Arthur Latham Chair and twice the George R. O'Connor Award for excellence in teaching, an honor bestowed by recent graduates. From 1995 to 1999, he served as Woodberry's senior master, and he was presented the Distinguished Service Award at Commencement in 1999.

In retirement, Bob continued serving his community through providing GED classes in the local regional jail for nine years, and helped found and staff the Orange Free Clinic.

Bob Vasquez will be remembered for his huge heart, his sharp wit, his belief in every student's potential, and his lifelong commitment to helping others find their way. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he enriched.

A service celebration of life will be held in the spring with interment at the Woodberry Froest School Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Orange Free Clinic, Woodberry Forest School, or Children's Home Society of Virginia.

Preddy Funeral Home - Orange

250 W. Main St., Orange, VA | 540-672-3611