Bridgewater WWII Veteran Who Helped Shape Township Dies At 102

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater is mourning the death of Thomas R. "Bob" Vaucher, who is nothing short of an icon in the township. Vaucher, who just turned 102 on Dec. 3, 2020, died on Sunday.

"Bob was a tireless advocate for the Bridgewater community and his ceaseless efforts to improve the quality of life for all of his neighbors will be deeply missed," said Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench. "While he is no longer with us, his legacy will continue to leave a mark on Bridgewater for countless years to come."

Vaucher has literally helped shape the township and community in so many ways. He had lived in the same house off Foothill Road for 75 years, where his children were born and raised.

He helped establish Somerset County's first community college – Raritan Valley Community College. He helped create Bridgewater's current form of government of using a committee. He shaped the township's Master Plan and helped create the township's police department and Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District.

If that wasn't enough, Vaucher, was also a WWII veteran who flew 117 combat missions and led 525 B-29s in the flyover over the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay which ended that war.

Most recently he fought to preserve the Wemple property, a 35-acre tract of undeveloped land, off Foothill Road. Read More: Bridgewater WWII Veteran Fights To Preserve Township Land

That property was successfully preserved and renamed rededicated in his namesake.

"The preservation of the now Vaucher Revolutionary Preserve at Steele's Gap is just the latest in a long list of accomplishments but I hope that it will serve as a reminder of what an individual can achieve for their community," said Moench. "I would like to pass my heartfelt condolences to the Vaucher family during this difficult time. This town, its residents and its leadership will undoubtedly miss his stories and his wisdom. Rest in peace Bob."

"Bridgewater was lucky to have Bob Vaucher. We are all better because of him," said Council President Filipe Pedroso.

"We thank him for everything that he did for our Country and Township. While Bob will no longer be with his, the township will continue to benefit from everything Bob has done over the century," said Councilman Timothy Ring.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.