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BORN
1942
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
2205 East Millbrook Road
Raleigh, North Carolina
Robert Vavrina Obituary
April 21, 1942 - April 28, 2018
Chapel Hill
Robert T. Vavrina Jr. of Chapel Hill died on April 28, 2018. He was 76. A native of Baltimore, MD, Bob was the son of the late Robert T. and Dorothy E. Vavrina. A 1964 graduate of Bethany College, Bethany, WVA, Bob attended Officers Training School in the Marines and served in the Reserves from 1961-1967. Bob went on to earn a Master's degree cum laude in Personnel and Guidance From Fairleigh Dickinson Univ., a certificate in Strategic HR Planning from Harvard, Univ., and a second Master's with Distinction in Executive Coaching, Middlesex Univ., UK. A successful career in HR brought Bob to NC in 1998 where he served as Senior VP Human Resources for Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC. After retiring in 2008, Bob offered executive coaching as a consultant with Elinvar in Raleigh. Bob prized hunting and fishing, loved dogs, was an avid University of Kentucky fan, a voracious reader, and a collector of wildlife art. He is survived by his partner Melissa Staples of Chapel Hill; His daughter Susan Merjos and her husband Daniel Kelley of New York, NY; his son Robert T. Vavrina III of Raleigh; his granddaughter Rose Sara Merjos of New York, NY; and his brother Charles S. Vavrina and his wife Anne Wells of Lehigh acres, FL. A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Chapel Hill. Memorial gifts may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Bethany College, Bethany, WVA.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Vavrina
Sponsored by Cremation Society of the Carolinas & Capital Funeral Home - Raleigh.
Vaughan J Acton
March 15, 2021
I was just thinking about Bob and googled him. So sorry to hear of his passing. I worked with him at ADVO and Travelers. He was one of the kindest men I have ever met. Was he still doing dry Januaries to the end. He makes my heart smile every time I think of him.
Colette Duerre
May 16, 2018
I remember Bobby as one of my favorite people in Tenafly High School - he was always very kind and gentle (not to mention very cute.) I am extremely sad to hear of his passing and that he will no longer enjoy watching his granddaughter Rose grow and thrive. My condolences to all the family - Colette Duerre, THS 1960
Roxanne Ringuette
May 7, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Bob was a kind and brilliant man - I was very lucky to have worked for him. His entire staff loved and respected him very much.
Chris Burr
May 6, 2018
Bob was a wonderful man, one of the kindest I knew, and was passionate about developing others. While we had lost touch, I considered him a mentor and a friend.
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Joan Smith
May 4, 2018
Dear Susan and Rob,
I just heard the sad news about your dad. He was such a wonderful, kind and caring person. He was a great boss and a wonderful friend. I know how much he loved you and that precious Rose! Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Rest in peace my dear friend. You will be missed by so many.
Joan Smith
Christie Mabry
May 3, 2018
I am so very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I worked for him at Blue Cross, and it was truly a joy to know and work with this sweet and gentle man. Peace and blessings to his loved ones. Rev. Christie Mabry
May 3, 2018
So sorry to hear about your tremendous loss. May friends and family encourage you at this difficult time.
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