Robert Dale “Bob” Ready passed away at home at age 82 from complications of cancer on June 3, 2015. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 32 years, Jane Wolcott Ready; his children David Reedy (Culver, IN), Lauren Crittendon (Marlborough, MA), Rebecca Fanton (Amherst, MA); and five grandchildren, Rachel, Kyle, Claire, Evelyn, and Henry; a sister, Marjorie Dillabaugh, and a brother, Wayne (Pug) Ready (both of Indiana). A daughter, Eliza Oliver, predeceased him as did his parents, Eldon and Frances Snyder Ready, and two brothers, William and Richard.
Born in Otterbein, Indiana, on March 19, 1933, he was the 4th of five children. Bob enlisted in the Army in 1954 and served in northern Japan at the end of the Korean War.
He graduated with a B.S. in Business Law in 1957 from Indiana University and earned his LL.B. degree from the Indiana University School of Law in 1960.
He earned his CPA in 1963. Bob began his career at Pope & Ballard in Chicago, moving to Booz, Allen & Hamilton in 1964. In 1971, he joined Kwasha, Lipton as President and CEO and relocated to the East Coast. He joined Hewitt Associates in 1975, and spent the remainder of his career helping to build the company both nationally and internationally, first as Manager of the Eastern Region and then as Manager of International. He was instrumental in the selection and restoration of Rock Ledge in Rowayton as the home of the Eastern Region of Hewitt Associates which grew from 15 associates to over 350 at his retirement.
Bob will be remembered for his many community engagements and as one who “gave back” for all the blessings he enjoyed in life. He served as a mentor at Rowayton Elementary School and he was a volunteer at Wilson Point in many capacities, including as Treasurer and President. He also enjoyed woodworking and made several dollhouses and “horse barns” that he donated to local charities. Most recently, he used his woodworking skills to help build sets for the New Canaan Town Players at Waveny.
Bob was serving as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce in 1983-1984 when he was charged with the task of finding a permanent home for Norwalk Community College. After several years of hard work and lobbying, the new building on Richards Avenue was dedicated in 1991. Bob served as Chairman of the NCC Regional Advisory Council 1991-1992 and in 1992 he received the Board of Trustees of Community-Technical Colleges Merit Award.
Bob’s commitment to Norwalk Hospital was unswerving. His service began as a volunteer in the Emergency Department and in 1987 he began serving on the Norwalk Hospital Board of Trustees in many capacities. In 2002, he was elected Chairman of the Board. Recognizing his long-term contributions and his passion to improve patient safety and quality of service, the Hospital created an annual award in his name. In 2011, he, himself, was the first recipient of the Robert D. Ready Award for Patient Safety and Quality.
In later retirement years, Bob enjoyed being part of the Darien Men’s Association and volunteered in many capacities, including Treasurer and President. He was a member of the “Songsters” that performed at many of the nursing homes in the area. Over the years, he enjoyed skiing and water skiing with his children and he rarely missed his weekly tennis games with friends.
A memorial service will be held at the United Church of Rowayton at 11:30 on Saturday, June 20 with Pastor John Livingston officiating. Memorial donations may be made in his name to Norwalk Hospital Foundation for support of the Norwalk Hospital Volunteer Program.