Robert E. Warthan

Robert E. Warthan obituary, Newport News, VA

Robert E. Warthan

Robert Warthan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 18, 2016.
NEWPORT NEWS - Bob Warthan (74) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on December 15, 2016 after a long journey with prostate cancer. Bob was a native of Newport News and the son of James R. and Vivian H. Warthan. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dickie and granddaughter Camryn Elise. Bob grew up in the Hilton area attending Hilton Elementary. He considered the James River his playground enjoying boating, fishing and crabbing. As a youngster he made his spending money soft shell crabbing and selling his cleaned catch for $1.00 a dozen. As a teenager, he spent his summer working at Red's Pier towing fisherman out for a day on the river. Bob was a graduate of Warwick High School and Randolph-Macon College where he was active in sports and a member of the Varsity Club and Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He was a past member of the Denbigh/Warwick Exchange Club and life time member of the National Association of Purchasing Management Inc. He retired as a Manager of Purchasing from Newport News Shipbuilding in 1999 after 36 years of dedicated service. Bob enjoyed playing golf, reading and daily crossword puzzles. He volunteered at The Ferguson Center for the Arts, Upward Basketball and tutored for Operation Outreach. He was a member of Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church and the Covenant Sunday School class. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 54 years, Molly; three children and their families: Kerry and Shannon Warthan, children Erin, Collin, Kristen and Molly; Kraig and Jennifer Warthan, children Laine, Ryan and Brittany; Kristin and Jimmy Sgambelluri, children Carsyn and Addisyn. He is also survived by five loving great grandchildren, Maddie, Jackson, Mari Beth, Easton and Ari. A Celebration of Life will be held at Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church on Wednesday December 21, 2016 at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church Building Fund (38 Hoopes Road, Newport News, VA. 23602). The family wishes to thank Dr. Mark Fleming and staff at VA Oncology, Dr. Paul Hiotellis, and the nurses and staff of Hampton Sentara Careplex for their care and compassion. A life well lived with dignity, courage and joy has ended. We will miss the strength and presence of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Rest in peace Dad.

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December 23, 2016

John Hughes posted to the memorial.

December 22, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

December 21, 2016

Martin Givens posted to the memorial.

John Hughes

December 23, 2016

I am so saddened by Bobby's recent passing. I so wanted to attend his funeral but a last minute appointment prevented me from doing so. I didn't know Bobby in recent years but visited his family on Woodfin Rd when I was a child. Back then, we visited often as he and his brother, Dickie, were my first cousins. My condolences go out to his wife and family.

December 22, 2016

I, too, knew Bobby. We lived on Woodfin Road for several years and played games together. Then went on to Hilton Elementary, and Warwick High.

I remember Bobby as being a very nice friend, as was Dicky. I think of the two of them every time I pass Woodfin Road, Main Street, or Warwick High.

I'm sure he will be greatly missed by everyone whoever knew him ... especially you Molly. I understand because I lost my husband of 43 years in February.

Nancy (Post) Heinbach

Martin Givens

December 21, 2016

Molly Jo I am so sorry to read of Bob's passing. I know he suffered and that he is resting comfortably now. I wanted to get to his memorial service and could not. Bob and I were part of the early good Hilton time and enjoyed the times that other friends and I could just be the boys. A great guy and I am sure he will be missed. With deep sympathy, the best to you and your family.

Robin Williams

December 19, 2016

Molly,
My sincere condolences to you and your family for your loss. May God comfort and keep you.

Liv (Livingston) Whiting

December 19, 2016

I graduated from Old Dominion College June 10, married Carol June 17, and started working for Bob at NN Ship Purchasing June 26, 1967. I left the following year to begin a 40 year banking career. Bob was a great boss, always calm, considerate, great people person, and good company man. I had not seen Bob since 1968 until about 3 years ago when I was picking up my twin grandchildren Mandy & Drew Walls from Hilton Elementary School. I sat down waiting for the bell when I heard a voice two rows behind me say "Hello Liv Whiting". It was Bob with Molly picking up one of one of their grandchildren. I didn't realize he was there and he spoke first after 45 years. Bob mentioned he attended Hilton in the 1950s and been recently ask to speak to a Hilton class about student life at that time. He said one of the students asked what his email address had been as a 1950s Hilton student, and he had to answer he was before the invention of email! Bob loved Hilton and didn't go far working on Huntington Avenue for NN Ship.

Bill Walker

December 18, 2016

Molly,
So sorry to hear of Bobs passing. My prayers are with you and your family.

December 18, 2016

Molly and Family,

I am so sorry to read of Bob's passing. He like Herm fought the good fight with such courage. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Much love to all of the family.

Susie Perry
Williamsburg, VA

Mike Walsh

December 18, 2016

Bob was my first boss at NNS, a fellow Randolph Macon alumni, gentleman, and friend. So sorry to hear of his passing.

Carol (Curtis) Welch

December 18, 2016

I knew Bobby from Hilton School ,pier & Warwich High.
I am sorry for your loss!

Brenda Nelson

December 18, 2016

Molly & Family, I am so sad to hear that Bob has passed away. He fought his battle and I am sure he is at peace now. My thoughts and prayers go to all of you as you cope with this loss. Love to all.

James Wilson

December 18, 2016

Molly, Bob was a wonderful person and I know you will miss him greatly. You and your family are in my prayers. God bless you and your family.

December 17, 2016

I grew up with Bobby, in fact we lived next door to each other along the James River, The River was our playground and we had a gang called the River Rats that built shacks and piers from "borrowed" lumber and fished and crabbed and water skied and had clay ball battles. Life was good as a kid growing up on the River. I believe I am the only one left, Bobby will be missed along with Jimmy and Paul and Billy and Tommy and Harrison.
John Dickinson
Sarasota, Florida

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December 23, 2016

John Hughes posted to the memorial.

December 22, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

December 21, 2016

Martin Givens posted to the memorial.