Robert Joseph Menke

Menke, Robert Joseph SAN DIEGO -- "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" was the phrase Bob Menke adopted many years ago to be the motto by which he lived his life of 93 years. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on December 8, 2013. Bob Menke was a man of honor who never knew a stranger and was a mentor to many. He was proud to be a native San Diegan. He attended St. Augustine High School, serving as Student Body President. He received individual and team awards playing basketball and baseball as a Saintsman. Bob was president of the San Diego State College Associated Students in 1941-42. He was a member of the basketball and baseball teams, being honored as All Conference in baseball by the CA Collegiate Athletic Association. In 1943, he graduated with a degree in education and was one of the first to receive a master's degree in secondary education from San Diego State College. He served in WWII and the Korean War, retiring as a Captain in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Bob was a teacher and administrator in the San Diego City Schools including duties as principal of Pacific Beach and Memorial Jr. High Schools, Lincoln, La Jolla and Crawford High Schools, retiring after 32 years. Bob was an avid sports fan having season tickets to the Aztecs in Aztec Bowl, Charger tickets in Balboa Stadium and Padre tickets in Westgate Park, to the recent years. He supported the Hall of Champions, Museum of Art, and had season tickets to the opera. Bob loved the city of San Diego and served as a volunteer for many organizations throughout his lifetime, including: Omega Xi Fraternity, Kiwanis Clubs, Naval Reserve Association, SDSU War Memorial Committee, on the Board of the San Diego chapter of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, San Diego Hall of Champions High School Coaching Legends Selection Committee, SDSU Alumni Association, and a lifetime member of the Holiday Bowl Committee. In his lifetime Bob received many honors including: St. Augustine HS Athletic Hall of Fame, Memorial Junior HS Hall of Fame, SDSU Distinguished Alumni Services Monty Award, San Diego Hall of Champions Meritorious Achievement Award, San Diego Holiday Bowl Most Valuable Volunteer Award, St. Jude Research Hospital Dedication Award, and the Student Veteran Organization of SDSU Mentors for Life Award. Bob was preceded in death by his sister, brother and grandson, Jeff Reed. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Pat, with whom he traveled the world; three daughters and spouses: Karen (Mike) Reed, Nancy (Greg) Lough, Sally (Tom) Masterson; and grandchildren: Greg Reed, Travis (Patty) Lough, Casey (Alex) Lough, Robert (Laura) Masterson, Liz (James) Cox, Matthew Masterson; and our dear friend, Andrea Brito Bokosky. The family thanks Father Lawrence Agi; Bob's doctors, especially Dr. Jeffry Mullvain and Dr. Stefan Willging; and the nursing staff at the palliative care center at Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego for their special care. A memorial mass will be held at St. Augustine High School Chapel, 3266 Nutmeg Street, San Diego, CA 92104, on Saturday, December 21, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow in the school courtyard. Military honors and inurnment will be privately held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: The "Bob Menke Athletic Fund" supporting St. Augustine High School athletes in financial need or a charity of your choice.