Life, at times, seems way too short.  Bob "Mr. V" was my mentor upon being hired by OSHA.  Quite the man, his personality created the environment needed to put into perspective that which I needed to grasp the principles and applications of inspections.  Bob will be missed - greatly by me especially.  Never at a loss for words, his mannerisms made him unforgettable and his knowledge on just about any subject always lead to interesting conversations.  I am blessed to have known him and the positive influences that Bob had on my life.  Because of our several conversations about his faith and the way to Heaven via the cross of Jesus Christ, I can only hope that he found the courage to put his trust in the blood shed for him and for all who believe.
God is always good.  My heart is heavy as he has left the building.

It's hard to believe a year has passed since you've gone on glory.  I miss your v-line messages telling us what's going on with the 3 blond assassins, and all the other children and grandchildren milling about.  I review my work and see your name on documentation and go wow.  Your in my mind clear as day. I will hold onto the  memories I have of working with you.  You've been a great friend and I will miss you, my birthday buddie!!!!
Stacey

My brother, Robert Volinsky passed away in his sleep on May 31st. He was 72. Totally, unexpected. The funeral was on Monday June 5th. My nieces and nephew have posted and spoke lovingly  at his funeral as did his oldest Granddaughter Abby. I have been slower with sharing except with a few friends and family.
  
 My brother was an unassuming man and at times a little "quirky", (Ok, a lot!) an unlikely hero. But a hero he was to his children who loved  him. They knew they could always count on him. When my parents both had Alzheimer's, Robert coordinated the care for my parents, also for my Uncles as they aged and needed help. He was a Mensch in the true meaning of the word. 

 He loved his family and his Grandchildren almost as Much as Todd Rundgren and we have the picture to prove it. He was a big fan! 

He had worked For OSHA for 47 years. He retired less than 1 year ago. His Coworkers at OSHA shared numerous stories of how much they appreciated his work ethic, his love of family, and sense of humor. He would share daily news with his Co-workers via emails. Write poems and tributes to many of his Coworkers for special occasions. 

They got his sense of humor and this is what finally unleashed the tears for me. We think of Federal Agencies as being cold. But his Co workers at OSHA were anything but.

 Since retiring from OSHA and downsizing he has lived between two lively and loving households. Both. his daughters, Alyssa and Rachel  and their husbands Jeff and Billie made room for him in their home. His 5 beautiful and entertaining grandchildren, Abby, Max, Ruthy, Ali and Lily  kept him busy. My nephew Matt talked about how he and his Dad have been hiking together on Sunday mornings, while walking Wally. It was also Matt  who arranged the Meet and Greet with Todd Rundgren before a concert.
My brother was given lots of Nicknames through his life. Blintzes, Igor, Barney, Bovo at  work.
But his most prized were Dad and Papa❤️

I'm going to miss my Papa. Him and the smell of salmon at 6:20 at night in our kitchen, and then he would just leave the stove on and retreat back to his room. Our cat, Leo, always tried to eat his salmon from the pan but we managed to stop him every time. Robert (Papa) was cherished by my brother, cousins and I, and I am eternally grateful to him for taking me as his own granddaughter.

Love you Papa!
-Abby

So so sorry to the Volinsky family.  It is hard to believe, Bob a legend at OSHA, is gone. His presence will be missed including his poems, collections of books, sports cards, messy desk, lunch at Eda's, walks around the building, blunt comments, knowledge of trivia and OSHA standards, and never-ending talk of Todd.  I have been at OSHA since 1989 so I will greatly miss reminiscing about past OSHA characters and office dramas.  I always wanted him to retire first so he would not write an embarrassing poem song for my retirement.   I would bear through any poem, just to have him back. He left us too soon.  

Natalie Kadis, his OSHA pal although I probably drove him crazy at times. 

Dancing with his grandkids at his retirement party. 

Bob and I at his retirement party. He always had a way to make me laugh. I'll miss you, Bob.

Bob's retirement party cake. Photo of Bob in the 70's working for the Federal Government.

Along the way, he had accumulated several nicknames, but I always knew him as Robert.  I met him  a few days after Matthew, his first child arrived, shortly before I married his sister, Jane.  He had seemed quiet, nose to the grindstone type person.  At the time, he had been working about four years into his 47 year career at OSHA.  
My first impression, he was holding his baby comfortably in one arm.  Over time, this became a recurring theme:  Family first, and always. 

He never lost sight of the important things, the people he loved.
Whether it was taking care of aging parents, a wife in declining health or chasing after his kids and grandchildren, he treasured family.  In every respect he valued people, whether it was helping co-workers, tutoring at-risk kids or being the go-to for your grandkids.  You asked for little in return, and because of that, you got so much.

You will always be remembered in so many ways, as a true mensch.  May the holes in our hearts be filled with the memories you left.


Robert passed much too soon. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and co-workers. Robert was such a good man and a great cousin. I will miss his sense of humor. Robert seemed to always find the best jokes to share online. I will also miss our email exchanges about the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins. And, he also seemed to find some of the most intersesting and challenging trivia questions I have ever tried to wrestle with.  Robert was always just a phone call away if I needed help or advice.  And, I will always be grateful.Rest in peace Robert  and my thoughts and prayers are with his son Matt, daughters Rachel and Alyissa, his grandkids, and brother Fred and sister Janey.                                   

Bobby shared a cubicle with me at OSHA for several years.  His sense of humor was inimitable. He helped me get through the day with his witty comments and commentary about things and people that he found questionable or non-sensical.  He was also mischievous, taking  some pleasure in stirring the pot (but, of course, ever so  lightly).

 I was lucky to share my cubicle with someone who loved celebrity gossip and wasn't ashamed to admit it; he kept me up-to-date on all the "news" about the rich and famous.  I  left OSHA a few yrs ago, but I enjoyed reading his emails containing his daily updates and musings.

He talked about his three kids all the time.  And, of course, he adored and was so proud of his grandkids, posting photos of them all over his cubicle

 I hope that his coworkers' deep appreciation of him and  his offbeat sense of humor, as well as the sorrow expressed about  his passing, will tell you how special Bobby was, and how much he was loved.

Bobby was  one of a kind, and I will miss him very much.  I'm sure you all will too.

I wish your family all the best in these trying times-
Amy Johnson


Brenda Gordon, colleague

I was very saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Bob Volinsky. I want to express my deepest condolences to Bob’s family and friends.
I had the privilege of working with Bob for 20 years in the Braintree OSHA Office. I have been retired for several years now, but whenever I think of the Braintree Office, Bob always comes to mind. He was a very unique individual, one of the most hardworking and dedicated persons I’ve ever worked with. Several private employers who had undergone one of Bob’s inspections commented to me that he was the most thorough inspector that they had ever encountered. And Bob had an incredible memory. The OSHA attorneys used to be amazed by his ability to recall inspection details from even old archived cases. But most of all, Bob had a great sense of humor that was appreciated by everybody in the office. As an example, he would give people who were retiring, or otherwise leaving the Braintree office, a  sendoff with a personalized poem and a song, which he then proceeded to sing to them.
Good bye, my friend. You have given me many fond memories. You will be greatly missed by me and all who knew you. 

So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. In my time working with Bob he taught me many valuable lessons. His experience, expansive knowledge of OSHA, incredible memory and gentle sense of humor will be missed. 47 years of dedicated Federal service is a legendary accomplishment. Bob was the finest and gentlest  person that it was my honor and privilege to have met.
A happy memory - Remember Bob telling me that I had put too much spice in the soup and then proceeded to eat two more bowls ! Miss you.
Rest easy, Bob
Eddie White

I've known Bob for a short period of time, but enough to grow a great respect for him. He was the most helpful coworker anyone could ever ask for. He would never say "no".  He was ready to help at anytime and I will never forget. May you rest in peace Bob, and my sincerest condolences to the Volinsky family.
Adriane

The Doherty family would like to extend their condolences to every member of Bob’s family on the loss that they are experiencing. My first opportunity to meet with Bob was when he joined the agency. He was truly one of the hardest working most dedicated people. I’ve had the opportunity to work with in almost all of my 30 years with OSHA. Never once, in all the time that we worked together in the Braintree office did Bob ever refuse an assignment regardless of what time of the day or what day of the week it was. He truly had a remarkable concern for the safety, the health and well-being of the American worker.  Again, please accept our condolences on the loss of Bob to his entire family.  
 Neal Doherty

Can you tell work hardly got done in the office!!!! I going to miss you Bobby and all the v-line messages about going to Amvets with Lynn and her family every Friday and Saturday or at least it seemed like it in your emails. I'm going to miss you talking about the Blonde Assassins, Max and Abby and your kids Rachel, and Alyssa, and Jeff your son-in-law.  You're the biggest Todd Rundgren fan I know!!! I know you're happy now dancing with your wife Karen at the pearly gates..... Who's going to take me to Restaurant Depot now, since your gone? You're the only one I know of with a membership card...lol. Bobby we had a lot of fun in the office, playing checkers, Chinese checkers, Backgammon, and some of the other games on our lunch break. it was a while ago, but I'm going to miss you terribly and will think about you on our shared birthday, Nov. 3rd. Take care, and may you rest in spirit and glory. Stacey Murray.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Bob Volinsky. I worked with Bob as a Compliance Officer when I first started with OSHA in 2009 and have had many interactions with him since. I had the pleasure of Supervising him when I returned back to Braintree in 2020. Bob was a good-natured person and always put others before himself. I will miss Bob and his since of humor, even if not trying to be funny, Bob always had a way about him to make us laugh.  My heartfelt condolences go out to the family during these difficult times, I am so sorry.

OBITUARY

Robert A. Volinsky

November 3, 1950 – May 31, 2023

Stanetsky Memorial Chapels

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