W. Robert "Bob" Tolley

W. Robert “Bob” Tolley, 83, of Cambridge, passed away on June 25, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.  He was born in Cambridge on January 28, 1934 to the late Hobert W. and Marguerite Murphy Tolley.

Mr. Tolley attended schools in Cambridge and graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art with a Bachelor’s and later a Master’s in Art.  He then earned his Doctorate in Education from Nova University.  He worked for the Dorchester County Board of Education for over 30 years, working both as a teacher and a supervisor.

On August 11, 1957, Mr. Tolley married the former Patricia Spedden, with whom he shared almost 60 years.  He was a very lighthearted man, but he was always there when someone needed him.  He was very detail oriented, which was apparent in all aspects of his life.  Mr. Tolley enjoyed both fishing and hunting, and he loved to be out on his boat.  He loved painting, and would often say that he would paint every day of his life if he could.  Mr. Tolley especially liked painting waterfowl and the many wonderful scenes of Dorchester County.  He also would take his art to different art shows up and down the East Coast, and he enjoyed meeting all the different artists from different areas.  He was very proud of his South Dorchester roots, and he loved anything to do with his family.  He appreciated every moment he got to spend with his family. Mr. Tolley was a founder of the Dorchester Center for the Arts, and he was influential in the creation of the Ward Foundation in Salisbury.  He was also very active in the Cambridge Rotary and served as the President.

Mr. Tolley is survived by his wife Patricia of Cambridge, three children Roberta “Bobbie” Sandrin and husband Scot of Ohio, Eric Tolley and his wife Donna of Cambridge, Michelle Ruark and her husband Jeff of Cambridge, Grandchildren Adam Zellner of Ohio, Hannah Tolley of Baltimore, Andrew Tolley of Greensboro, Grant Ruark, and Garrett Ruark, both of Cambridge, and a brother James H Tolley and his wife Mafi of Vermont.  Besides his parents, Mr. Tolley is preceded in death by numerous aunts and uncles.

A graveside service will be held at Spedden Seward Cemetery at 847 Hills Point Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613 on Thursday June 29, 2017 at 2 PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Dorchester Center for the Arts, 321 High Street, Cambridge, MD 21613.  Arrangements are in the care of Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge, MD.