Bob was born on December 17, 1941 in Mount Lebanon, PA to Maine and Virginia (nee Rogan) Peace, and was the second of three sons (brothers Maine, Jr. and James, along with his parents, predecease him). He attended Pennsylvania State University where he received a degree in economics, and later he earned an MBA from New York University and a law degree from New York Law School. He served in the Vietnam conflict as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged as a Captain. It was at Penn State that he met the love of his life, Sandra (Sandy) DeAngelis. They were married February 4, 1967, and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. She survives him as does their son Robert Jr. (Rob) of Baltimore, daughter-in-law Sue Elias, and grandchildren Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Joshua.
Following his military service, Bob was an officer at the Morgan Guarantee Bank (later JP Morgan) in New York before moving to Raleigh in 1976 take a comptroller position at Carolina Power and Light utility. He then opened a private law practice and began lecturing at night at N.C. State University. He joined the faculty full time in 1986 in the department of Accounting. He became a popular instructor, received numerous faculty awards for excellence in teaching, was a prodigious author of peer reviewed articles related to the social consequences of the tax law and of corporate investing, and was a dedicated mentor to junior faculty. He later became the founding director of the NCSU’s Master of Accounting program, where he guided and mentored numerous students into the profession of accounting. He also accepted a prestigious visiting professor assignment at a study abroad program in Italy. After his retirement, Bob found success as an author, publishing the novel “Moonlight Mafioso” and children’s book “Wicked Witch Pop Quiz.”
Bob became a familiar face to many in the area. He was often seen running the streets of Raleigh long before jogging became mainstream. He ran three marathons and countless other races. He found great enjoyment as a young parent coaching his son’s soccer team, the Santos, traveling with his wife and family, including several trips to Italy, and later in life volunteering through pro bono legal work, including the Guardian et Litem program and Witness for Justice program, and with many ministries to the homeless, including making sandwiches for the guests at the City of Oaks Outreach Center. His greatest joy, though, was the time spent with Sandy, Rob, Sue, Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Joshua. He also treasured his brothers-in-law, sister-in-law and their families, and the enduring personal relationships he built over the years with his friends. He was known for his quick wit and skills at telling stories, sending birthday wishes through clever and insightful poems, as well as an appreciation for literature and cooking. All who knew him were blessed by his generosity of time and talents, his hospitality for both friends and strangers, and the calm yet determined manner in which he approached his responsibilities. Over the past year, as he was stricken with ALS, Bob maintained his philosophy which had guided him throughout his life; to lean into problems with which he had control, and to accept situations with which he had none. It has given him, his family, and friends, great peace and serenity.
The family will receive visitors on Sunday, May 28 from 3:00-6:00 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary’s Street. A mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, May 29 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on 2718 Overbrook Drive. All are welcome to attend a reception in the Fallon Center which will take place immediately after the service.
Charitable donations to be sent to:
Oak City Outreach Center
215 S. Person Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
Friends of Wake Guardiem Ad Litem
PO Box 4941
Cary, NC 27519
Sacred Heart Cathedral - Door Ministry
200 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
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