Robert Leon Volle

Thursday, February 11, 2021

In Memoriam

Passing of Dr. Robert Leon Volle, Sr.

Dr. Robert Leon Volle, Sr., of Avon, passed away from natural causes on February 3, 2021. He lived a wonderful and productive 90 years. Born in 1930 into a French immigrant family that worked the coal mines of western Pennsylvania, Dr. Volle put himself through college at West Virginia Wesleyan College and later, completed his PhD at the University of Kansas. In 1952 he met, fell in love with and married Adva Jean Runnels while stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS during the Korean War. They had five children and lived in Gulfport, MS; Lawrence, KS; New Orleans LA (twice); Swarthmore and Berwyn, PA; Avon, Connecticut (3 times); and Salado, TX. He was a teacher, a research scientist, and an administrator at the University of Pennsylvania, Tulane University, the University of Connecticut, the University of Kentucky and West Virginia University as Vice President and Provost.

As a member of the founding faculty of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine he led the Pharmacology Department and then became Associate Dean of the Medical School. While at UConn he was the first recipient of the prestigious Charles N. Loeser, M.D. award for excellence in teaching. He left the teaching profession to take on the role of President and CEO, and then President Emeritus, of the National Board of Medical Examiners.

Active in his church, he taught classes on various religious topics at the churches in his local communities and met wonderful, endearing friends while doing so. Bob loved his pets, especially Terri, Katie, Emma and Annie and he rescued many four-legged friends throughout his retirement. He was passionate about researching his family roots and discovered many facts and stories about the lives they lived and the family connections we still have. He loved books and learning and reading in the field of the humanities. He was generous with his knowledge and continuously gifted much of his library to others.

While he thrived in academia and collaborating with colleagues and graduate students, he was most proud of his love for and devotion to his wife of 68 years, Adva, and their children. Along with his wife, he leaves behind his daughter, L. Michelle Volle Borden, grandsons, Zachary and Bradley; his son, Robert Leon Volle Jr., his wife Beth, grand children Catherine and David; son, Rev. Dr. J. Stephen Volle; daughter Dr. Lisa M. Volle, granddaughter, Sara, great grandchildren Athena and Atlas; and son John M. Volle, his wife Maria, grandchildren Alyssa and Robert, and great grandson, Chase. He leaves behind many extended family members in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Georgia, Texas and France as well as dear friends Auggie & Marianne Pappano in Connecticut and so many more in Salado, Texas. He will be missed; he is loved and will forever be in our hearts and memories. Bob/Dad we love you!