Robert Bolla
Robert passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025.
He was born in Dansville, NY on 8/18/1943.
Survived by his wife, Terese Bolla of 58 years.
Remembered by:
Daughter: Jennifer Bolla, PhD, Son: Stephen Bolla, Daughter-in-Law: Mary Bolla, Grandchildren: Samuel Bolla and Natalie Bolla, Sister: Susan Shuman and husband Danny Shuman, and niece: Andrea Shuman.
Bob was a college professor, department chair of biology, Dean of College of Arts and Science, Provost.
Tin Duck Consulting/Tin Duck Studios Owner: Consulting on technology start-up, bioscience, graduate education and program development. He is a self-trained photographer.
Service Information:
Date: August 8th, 2025
Place: Holy Infant Catholic Church 627 Dennison Dr., Baldwin, MO 63021
Donations in lieu of flower: Jazz St. Louis Academy: 3536 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103 or Food Outreach 3117 Olive Street St. Louis, MO 63103
Oh I am sad to learn about Dr. Bolla’s passing. I had him for a gerontology class at Univ of Missouri St. Louis. He was such an amazing professor, and cared about a lot about his students. I was very lucky to get to have him for class. My condolences to all of his family. What an amazing man!
We’re so sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. We feel grateful that our paths crossed years ago—he was truly a wonderful man. Please know that your family is in our thoughts during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of Bob‘s passing. He and I were both hired by the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1976 and went through the early years as Assistant Professors together. Bob was a fun guy and a great colleague. We spent a lot of time together, leaning on the wall or sitting in one of our offices and chatting. It’s been almost 50 years, but I still remember his good humor and ability to laugh his way through our trials and tribulations as junior faculty members. I moved on after a few years, as did Bob, but we exchanged emails at least once a year, keeping in touch. Rest in peace, my friend.
Bob was a dear friend and mentor to me over many years. It was very recently that he reached out to me on LinkedIn, so I was shocked at his passing.
He did so much in his life, each day, but he found time to encourage all of the people he believed in. I am so lucky to be one of those people.
Teresa, my wife Tracy and I send you our warmest wishes and prayers. You and Bob will always be one of the happiest couples we have known.
I can summon up his voice in my mind at any time, always in the only mode in which he spoke to me: his joy in our shared mission to help students learn and move on with their lives.
I never see a Brittany spaniel but I think of Bob.
Rob Prescott
I was a technician in Bob’s lab while working on my UMSL undergraduate degree. He was always happy and willing to patiently help all of us climb the ladder out of ignorance. I feel lucky to have known him and though I am shocked to see that he is gone, I am certain that he had a great life. Rest In Peace Bob.
Bob was my supervisor at Bradley University, and continued to be a mentor throughout my career. He gave me my start in research administration as Director of Sponsored Programs, which opened doors for my continued succession in research and development. Bob was so encouraging, insightful and had such a big heart. He will be greatly missed and my prayers and sincere condolences to Terese, Jennifer, Stephen and all of Bob’s loved ones.