Bob Vujea

Bob Vujea, age 97, passed away at home on April 16, 2022. He grew up in the Cleveland, Ohio area, but resided in Grand Rapids for over 50 years. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Doris, and his children, Katherine Vujea, Diane (Benjamin) Peters, Therese (Robert) Sweet, Robert (Cynthia) Vujea; seven grandchildren, Bill, Rob, David, Michael, Mattthew, Jennifer, Katie; and 14 great grandchildren. Bob served in World War II in the OSS, the precursor to the CIA. The OSS was recently awarded a Congressional Gold Medal. After graduating from Western Reserve University, where he met Doris working on the school paper, he started his career at American Greeting Corp. He became Director of International Operations, traveling the world – working in 6 of the 7 continents. He served on the Board of Directors of a NYSE company. After directing several companies in Florida and Alabama Bob ended his career as president of his own company, R & D Chemical Corp. in Grand Rapids. One of his greatest accomplishments was starting and funding the “Catholic Challenge” for Habitat for Humanity of Kent County. He was a true believer in helping others help themselves. Because of him over 400 families now have homes. The program continues to flourish today! He also financed a banana plantation development with the Franciscan Friars, in Zambia called “Go Bananas”. The local people were given jobs planting, growing and harvesting bananas. .The bananas were then sold in local markets with the profits going back to assist the village in community projects like clean drinking water. He served on the church finance committee and was an archangel in the Bishop's Angels. Bob was a Life Master duplicate bridge player, an avid gardener, and loved golf. He had an amazing voice and was in the church choir. His greatest enjoyment came from family gatherings. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at noon on May 2 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where the family will receive visitors from 11 am to noon. Feel free to wear a mask. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Kent County or the Scholarship Fund at St. Anthony of Padua Church.

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Bob Vujea

September 16, 1924 - April 16, 2022