Robert James Rixom

Robert “Bob” James Rixom passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at the VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach, Florida. Born in Port Huron, Michigan, in 1936, Bob later relocated from Traverse City, Michigan, to Vero Beach, Florida.

A graduate of Denison University in Ohio, Bob loved sharing tales of his collegiate lacrosse playing days and his shenanigans as a Sigma Chi fraternity brother. He enjoyed sharing the story of meeting Woody Hayes, a Denison alum who years before lived in the same room as Bob and who was surprised to find someone from “the state up north” living there. Returning to Michigan, Bob earned a Master’s degree in Education Administration at the University of Michigan and was especially proud as the Wolverines became national champions that year. 

Education was Bob’s life’s work. His career began as a fourth-grade teacher at Madison Heights Elementary School in Detroit, Michigan. At the remarkably young age of 30, he was appointed Superintendent of Schools for Boyne Falls, Michigan. He later retired as Dean of Students at Southport Middle School in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

In addition to education, Bob enjoyed being a volunteer lifeguard at South Beach, where he met his beloved wife, Judy, a story he loved sharing. Bob lived his life with passion. He cherished sports (Go Blue!), his home, adventures, and especially his time with loved ones. A devout Christian, he found solace in daily scripture and hymns. Bob also had a keen interest in Florida weather and tracking storms, which affectionately earned him the family nickname “Doppler Bob.”  He was an active man for most of his life and enjoyed refereeing college and high school basketball and football—including games during which the legendary Bobby Knight was coaching. In his later years, he was an active tennis player at Timber Ridge Tennis Club. Bob was always ready to lend a hand to family, whether offering advice, sharing experiences, or tending bar at the Artist Guild stroll nights.

Preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and W. Hazel Rixom, Bob is survived by his wife of 33 years, Judy Rixom of Vero Beach, Florida; sons Shane Rixom (wife Margaret) of Abingdon, Virginia, Kyle Rixom of Traverse City, MI, and Brett Rixom (wife Jessica) of Reno, Nevada; stepchildren Shawn Vadala (wife Rebecca) of New Albany, Ohio, Beth Zerilli (husband Sal) of Rockport, Massachusetts, and Amy Henderson (husband Chris) of Marlboro, New Jersey; grandchildren Evan and Noah Rixom, Ethan and Eleanor Rixom, Katherine, Caroline, and Patrick Vadala, Anna and Sophia Zerilli, Alexandria, Michaela, and Victoria Henderson; and countless friends.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach, 920 37th Place, Suite 101, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.