Bridgewater Resident Thomas R. “Bob” Vaucher Passes Away at 102

Bridgewater, NJ – On Sunday, February 7, 2021, the Township received news of the passing of Word War II veteran and community advocate, Thomas R. “Bob” Vaucher.

Bob Vaucher, who just turned 102 on December 3rd, lived at his home on Foothill Road, where he raised his family, for over 70 years. Throughout his many years as a Bridgewater resident, Bob was instrumental in both the formation and the preservation of Bridgewater Township . He was also a distinguished World War II veteran and over the course of the war, Bob flew 117 combat missions, and earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses, five Air Medals, eight Battle Stars, and 13 wartime commendations and citations.

“Bob was a tireless advocate for the Bridgewater community and his ceaseless efforts to improve the quality of life for all of his neighbors will be deeply missed,” said Mayor Matthew Moench. “While he is no longer with us, his legacy will continue to leave a mark on Bridgewater for countless years to come.”

Mayor Moench continued, “I am so glad that I was able to be there with him as the Wemple property, which he fought so hard to preserve as open space, was rededicated in his namesake. The preservation of the now Vaucher Revolutionary Preserve at Steele’s Gap is just the latest in a long list of accomplishments but I hope that it will serve as a reminder of what an individual can achieve for their community. I would like to pass my heartfelt condolences to the Vaucher family during this difficult time. This town, its residents and its leadership will undoubtedly miss his stories and his wisdom. Rest in peace Bob.”

“Lt. Col. Bob Vaucher’s contributions to aviation history and the Nation during World War II are extensive and monumental,” said Council President Filipe Pedroso. “But that’s not all…Bob had a massive roll, influence and impact in Bridgewater’s history and development.”

Council President Pedroso continued, “Since 1950, when Bob moved to Bridgewater to the same house he occupied until his passing, Bob was a staunch activist for Bridgewater’s quality of life and improving the Township. Through Bob’s vision and service, Bridgewater established its Police Department, the Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education, the town’s first high school, the Raritan Valley Community College, and Bridgewater’s current form of government. During my ten-year tenure on the zoning Board of Adjustment, Bob would often appear on behalf of the Foothill Civic Association and speak out against overdevelopment. Bob had a magnetic personality and cared deeply about people. For example, when the State wanted to build 287 through Hobbstown surely displacing the Black residents within this area, Bob encouraged the State to take an alternate route preserving the Hobbstown section. Bob was a role model to me as I pursued government service and gave me the belief that I too had the ability to make impactful contributions to the Township that Bob and I loved dearly. Bridgewater was lucky to have Bob Vaucher. We are all better because of him. I will miss seeing him at meetings, but his voice and influence will long last. I will keep striving to keep Bob’s mission alive to protect Bridgewater’s quality of life for the next generation.”

“This is a hard day for Bridgewater and everyone that was lucky enough to meet Bob,” said Councilman Timothy Ring. “We thank him for everything that he did for our Country and Township. While Bob will no longer be with his, the township will continue to benefit from everything Bob has done over the century. Please keep the Vaucher family in your thoughts and prayers.”