Robert J. Vadnais

Robert “Bob” Joseph Vadnais passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024 at his home in Timnath, Colorado, following a year-long battle with bladder cancer. He was 93. Bob was born on March 12, 1931, to Victor and Alice Vadnais in Waterbury, Connecticut. He was one of 13 children and the youngest boy. Bob grew up in Oakville, CT, and attended Oliver Wolcott Technical High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1952 and belonged to the VFW, American Legion, and several fraternal organizations including the Masons and Elks Lodge. Bob married Emma Louise Reeser on June 9, 1956, and the couple had three children. He was a machinist in the manufacturing industry, wrapping up his career at Tech Systems in Thomaston, CT, before retiring at the age of 62. The day after he retired, his sister-in-law Peggy Mascia gave him a long awaited, ceremonial hair cut – no more comb over! Bob was a social butterfly and the life of the party – often the last to leave any social occasion. He loved to talk and rarely met anyone that could match his gift of gab (outside of his siblings, that is!). Growing up with 6 brothers and 6 sisters was full of fun, adventure, and laughs. He was a very happy, confident, and generous person – a man of simple tastes yet lived a rich and fulfilling life. He loved to watch sporting events in person or on television and was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox. He later became enamored with the UConn college basketball teams and the New England Patriots. Some of his favorite activities were playing cards, watching Western movies, gardening, dancing, and socializing. He was a regular fixture at the Fort Collins (CO) Senior Center, often playing card games all day long! Bob was also quite the artist – very creative in drawing characters and, later in life, was introduced to wood burning. He produced many pieces that he loved to gift to family and friends. He also liked to entertain his family by playing Boogie Woogie-style music on the organ. Bob is survived by his three children, Philip Vadnais (Violet Marquart) of Fort Collins, CO; Janice Wieduwilt of Meriden, CT; and Ann Jones (Christopher) of Timnath, CO; grandson Aiden Jones of Timnath, CO; and sister Dolly Hite of Lakeland, FL. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his spouse of 47 years, Emma Louise Vadnais, who passed away in 2003. A Celebration of Life service is planned for Spring 2025 at the Fairview Venue inside the Public Market Coffeehouse in Timnath. A military burial will be held at the Fort Logan National Cemetery in Colorado. Bob and his family are very grateful to staff and volunteers at Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins for their assistance, care, and support during Bob’s final seven months of life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pathways Hospice.