Robert "Bob" Vanderwissel, age 78, of Delaware, Ohio, passed away on January 23, 2026, in Melbourne, Florida.

Bob was born on September 17, 1947, in Amsterdam, Holland, to Adrian Vanderwissel and Erica (Zink) Vanderwissel. He moved to the United States with his family at the age of 10. He spent many years as a resident of Delaware, Ohio, before recently relocating to Melbourne, Florida, where he was in the process of establishing residency.

Bob was a graduate of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in Columbus, Ohio, Class 94, graduating on April 7, 1972. He earned an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, in 1978, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Antioch University in Yellow Springs, Ohio, in 1991.

Bob proudly served four years in the United States Air Force. He later dedicated nearly 27 years of honorable and dutiful service to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, retiring with the rank of Sergeant. Following his retirement, he continued his professional career with Liberty Mutual, working in the Special Investigations Unit, where he specialized in the recovery of stolen automobiles.

An avid and passionate boater, Bob was an active member of the United States Sail and Power Squadron – Columbus, Ohio, where he served as Squadron Commander from 2004 to 2005. Bob was known for being loyal, dependable, and compassionate—qualities that defined both his personal relationships and his professional life.

He is survived by his children, Brigitte (Joe) Jobe and R. Ryan (Wendy) Vanderwissel; his grandchildren, Mia Miles, Ariell Norvell, and Alex Vanderwissel; and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several special friends and former colleagues who held a meaningful place in his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Werner Vanderwissel.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family will announce details when they become available.