Industrial Fire Protection Engineer and Explosions Expert
R obert “Bob, Bobby” Zalosh, Industrial Fire Protection Engineer and Explosions Expert Bob Zalosh, 78, of Wellesley and Orleans, MA, passed away on June 29, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.
Bob leaves behind his loving wife of more than 57 years, Gloria (Katz) Zalosh; his children, Michael and his wife Burke of Wellesley, Matthew and his wife Alisa of Manchester, MA; his grandchildren, Sam, Will, Sophie, and Nina; his sister Lynn (Zalosh) Nalven and husband Henry Nalven; and mother-in-law Daisy Katz. He is also survived by his nephews, Ahmon and Sam Katz, and his nieces, Emily, Julia, and Alison Nalven. He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Rena Zalosh, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Kathleen Katz.
Bob was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx, graduating from Bronx High School of Science where he met Gloria, played football, and competed in track. Bob received a bachelor’s degree from Cooper Union, a master’s degree from the University of Rochester, and a PhD from Northeastern University, all in Mechanical Engineering.
Bob’s work ethic was exceptional. At Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM), he served in various positions, culminating as the head of the Applied Research Department. While at FM, he started teaching at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). In 1990, he became a full-time professor of Fire Protection Engineering at WPI. Bob authored a textbook, Industrial Fire Protection Engineering, considered the definitive book of the field. He also co-authored the Center for Chemical Process Safety’s Guidelines for Safe Handling of Powders and Bulk Solids. Most recently, he co-authored Explosion Dynamics: Foundations and Practical Applications, which was published this June.
During his tenure as a professor,
Bob founded Firexplo, a consulting practice. Bob conducted fire and explosion investigations and served as an expert witness in ensuing litigation. Firexplo’s clients included small businesses, large corporations, and government agencies such as the Chemical Safety Board and OSHA. He advised clients on hazards related to flammable gases and combustible dusts and provided guidance on safety strategies and protections.
Bob, a professor emeritus, was a fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He was a member of the fire council at Underwriters Laboratory for 25 years, of the Hydrogen Safety Panel since its inception, and of several National Fire Protection Association committees.
Bob was generous in many ways, finding his pro bono work for fire departments particularly rewarding. In 2016, the Boston Fire Department honored him with the prestigious Fire Commissioner Award for Outstanding Civilian Service. Bob “volunteered without hesitation” and was considered “a true friend and invaluable resource” by the Boston Fire Department.
While he loved his work, Bob had other interests. He developed a love of being on the water as a member of the Cooper Union sailing club. Family vacations usually included time at oceans, rivers, or lakes. Bob and Gloria began spending summers in Orleans in 2004; as soon as they crossed the Sagamore Bridge, his thoughts turned to watching Firebirds games at Eldridge Field and sunsets at Rock Harbor. And despite the sharks, Bob still swam at Nauset Beach—just much closer to shore!
Bob became an avid Boston sports fan during the Red Sox “Impossible Dream” season of 1967 and never looked back on his New York sports roots. Special memories included attending the Celtics epic, tripleovertime 1976 NBA Finals victory and the Red Sox historic championship run in 2004. He always enjoyed playing tennis as well as coaching his kids in soccer and baseball.
Bob enjoyed traveling for work and pleasure, visiting 48 states. His consulting practice often took him to factories in the Midwest, where he developed rewarding relationships with clients and truly impacted their lives. He traveled all over the world presenting academic papers at conferences often extending those trips into wonderful vacations with Gloria.
While abroad or in Boston, Bob sought out live music, most recently the Montreal Jazz Festival and at Symphony Hall to hear Pink Martini. Cleo Laine and Diana Krall were two of his favorite performers. Bob also had a green thumb, taking care and pride in his gardens; the bountiful hydrangeas this spring brought joy, and his delicious tomatoes were always a summer hit.
Bob took special delight in his four grandchildren and loved watching their sporting events and performances. During holiday dinners, Bob cherished his role as leader, imparting sage wisdom through stories ranging from his youth to current events and fostering lively conversations.
Bob lived a full life and will be deeply missed by family and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd, Wellesley, MA, on July 6th at 11:30am. Following interment at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Rd., Wayland, MA, memorial observance will be at his residence until 4 pm, 7-9 pm, and Friday 2-5 pm.
Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to RIP Medical Debt and Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association.