UCF has confirmed that Mr. Robert Ashely, UCF Rosen College’s first-ever faculty member, has passed away.
UCF Today reports that Ashley, who taught food service education at UCF for nearly 30 years, passed away at the age of 65, this Friday, after suffering fibrosis of the lung.
Michael Weiss, Assistant Director of Public Relations for UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Managementtold us that Rosen College will be hosting an on-campus memorial service for late Robert Ashley this Thursday, Oct. 25, from 3:30-5:00 p.m. at the Darden Auditorium.
Donna Ashley, his wife, told the Orlando Sentinel that Ashley fell ill after returning from a cruise last month. She also said the family does not plan a funeral but instead will donate his body to UCF’s medical college.
Students expressed thoughts and condolances over social media sites like Facebook and Twitter saying things such as “RIP Professor Ashley” (@alissamanion), “So sad to hear… He was a great professor” (@Bri_Moore407) and “Rosen Kiddos, you’re not gonna believe it. Prof. Ashley died. So young. #rip #favoriteprofessor” (@jaimista)
Ashley is survived by a daughter, Shannon Ashley; sister, Johanna Cyr; and brother, David Ashley.
