Robert E. Tolles (Bob), 88, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2015 at his home in New Canaan, Connecticut surrounded by his loving family and beloved cat. He was the husband of Barbara (Svec) Tolles for 63 years and they have resided in New Canaan for 48 years. Bob was born in Norwalk, Connecticut on June 6, 1927 to Wellington Erving and Marie Sultan Tolles. He was a graduate of The Choate School (1945) Cum Laude. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He then went on to Yale University (1950) where he graduated with a B.A. Dean's List in American Studies. Later in life, he graduated from the New School for Social Research with a master's degree in economics. His career began in Connecticut as a daily City Hall newspaper reporter for the Norwalk Hour, and as a staff writer for Sikorsky Aircraft. He then served as a foreign service officer with the U.S. Information Service in Bogotá, Colombia during the Kennedy administration where he was recognized for outstanding service. After returning to the U.S., he worked as a staff writer for the Radio Corporation of America in New York. He then spent 21 years with the Ford Foundation rising to become director of its office of reports. Since leaving Ford and with a broad understanding of economics and public policy, he worked as a freelance writer, editor and consultant for several foundations and nonprofit organizations including the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Longview Foundation, Russell Sage Foundation, Century Foundation, German Marshall Fund and Phelps Stokes Fund. He wrote on occasion for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Hartford Courant, book reviews, and conference reports. He also taught english as a second language (ESL) to new immigrants and worked as a tax preparer for H&R Block. In his spare time he did carpentry and joked "I'm a chairman; I repair broken chairs." Bob served as class agent for both Yale University and Choate Rosemary Hall. He was a member of the Senior Men's Club of New Canaan where he recorded meeting minutes. As part of the Yale Club of New Canaan, he volunteered with the Horizon's Student Enrichment Program at the New Canaan Country Day School. Bob was an avid tennis player, a regular at the New Canaan High School track and a long time member of the YMCA. Besides his wife Barbara, Bob leaves behind his son David Erving Tolles of New Haven and daughter Amanda Katherine Tolles of New Canaan. He is also survived by his brother Peter Franklin Tolles of Seal Beach, California. Bob and Barbara spent many years hiking throughout England, Ireland and Scotland and spent memorable family vacations exploring the English countryside. He was the most wonderful husband and father and will be greatly missed. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all of the people who cared for and comforted him during his illness. Contributions in Bob's memory can be sent to the Yale Alumni Fund (P.O. Box 803, New Haven, CT 06503) and/or the Choate Rosemary Hall Alumni Fund (333 Christian Street, Wallingford, CT 06492), and/or to a charity of your choice. Bob's service will be announced at a later date.