Robert Braswell Jr.

Robert “Bobby” Braswell, Jr., oldest child of the late Robert Braswell, Sr., and LaVerne Buggs Braswell, was born on January 28, 1955, in Macon, Georgia. On Monday, July 26, 2021, he passed away at home peacefully with his loved ones surrounding him. He was preceded in death by his five siblings Titleist Braswell, Sr., Sindy Braswell, Andre Braswell, Leslie Braswell, and Fabia Smith. Bobby was educated in the District of Columbia Public School System and graduated from Calvin Coolidge High School, Class of 1973.

Bobby was united in holy matrimony to Vanessa “Scott” Braswell on August 9, 1975. They remained married for 46 years. To this union, God blessed them with two children, Robert Braswell III and Erika Monique Braswell-Wright.

On April 4, 1977, Bobby began a fulfilling career as a United States Capitol Hill Police Officer until his retirement on January 31, 2012. During his years as a Capitol Hill Police Officer, his initiative, integrity, self-discipline, and physical fitness established him as a role model and mentor to other officers. Bobby was well respected and loved by all those who interacted with him on Capitol Hill.

After his retirement, Bobby continued to stay fit and active. He called the gym his “new job.” He went to the gym daily, lifting weights, playing racquetball, and beating anyone who dared to face him in a Fitbit challenge. While fitness was one of Bobby’s passions, he also had a love of cars. He has never missed one year of the Washington Auto Show or an opportunity to educate his grandson about cars. Bobby changed his vehicles regularly. From luxury and sports cars, he has owned them all, including his favorite brand Porsche. He loved the Porsche 911 and was fortunate to have been able to own three within his lifetime. Bobby also enjoyed the solitude of reading the newspaper, completing the daily cross puzzle, and listening to music. When in the company of his friends and family, Bobby played cards, chess, and shot pool.

If you ever had the opportunity to meet Bobby, you never wanted to let him out of your circle. He was an incredible person. He was there for his friends and family when a laugh or support was needed. Being with Bobby was like being with your closest friend. He was someone you knew you could trust and be vulnerable with no judgment attached. With his friendship came family, mentorship, and unconditional regard. You also knew that Bobby was a Christian man. He followed Jesus the best he knew how and raised his children to have faith in God and all His greatness. You knew that his wife, children, and grandchildren were his pride and joy. The legacy of Bobby’s kind spirit, passions, and zest for life will live on through them.

Bobby leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife, Vanessa P. Braswell, his two children, Robert Braswell, III and Erika Braswell-Wright, a daughter-in-law, Natalie Braswell, a son-in-law, Christopher Wright, four grandchildren, Sydney Roberson, Gabrielle Braswell, Connor Wright, and Joshua Wright as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.