Robert Dale Laib

Robert "Bob" Dale Laib, a caring husband, father, grandfather, and brother, died on December 13, 2024, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Born on May 20, 1931, Bob lived a life of service and commitment to community, and his warmth and humor will be missed by all who had the good fortune to meet him.
Bob graduated from Avalon High School (Pittsburgh, PA) in 1949 and then Otterbein College (Westerville, OH) in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. Throughout high school and college he performed regularly with swing bands as a trumpet player. While at Otterbein, he played with the Brass Choir, sang in the Men's Glee Club, was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, and courted his future wife so she wouldn't transfer (she was needed in the brass band!). Shortly after graduating from college, Bob attended Naval Officer Candidate School and also married his college sweetheart, Agnes "Anne" Tell on January 30, 1954. He served as an active-duty pilot for the Navy for four years during which time he had the opportunity to fly blimps and, ultimately, helicopters. After four years of active-duty military service, Bob chose to pursue his true passion as a music teacher while continuing his military service flying for the Navy Reserve. Bob's character and personability earned him a position as an "unwitting" recruiter for the Navy during this time, as several former students later chose military careers due to his influence! During this same period, Bob opted to continue his education and earned his Master of Arts degree in Administration from Seton Hall University in 1961.
While Music Director at Burnet Junior High School in Union NJ, Bob had the opportunity to serve as a guest conductor for the Central Jersey Intermediate Band in 1965, a proud culminating moment of his time as a music teacher. Later in 1965, while continuing to give private lessons to young brass players, Bob stepped into the role of School Principal at Washington Elementary School in Union, NJ, and later Allen W. Roberts School in New Providence, NJ, and finally Hartshorn School in Milburn, NJ, guiding students and staff for many years. Bob had a penchant for relationship building, and the phrase 'arrive a stranger, leave a friend' rang true across Bob's relationships, both personal and professional. During his tenure as a principal, the Parent Teacher Association Board lauded Bob's ability to effectively balance his professional responsibilities as a school administrator with his ability to build community wherever he went. The board shared in their newsletter, "Principals are not supposed to be popular; respect is usually all they can hope for. Mr. Laib has both popularity and respect, and we want him to know it."
Quick-witted, gregarious, and humble, Bob was a role model to family, friends, and students alike. He approached life with a commendable balance of light-hearted humor and commitment to his convictions. His family recalls one fond memory of Bob – having been sent with his good Navy pilot friend to retrieve the children after a busy day of sledding – coming home with a broken foot. It seems he and his fellow pilot climbed aboard the family sled for a final run and promptly met an abrupt halt at an inopportunely placed tree. We never did find out who was Captain of that ship! Not long after, Bob received an award for safe flight operations from the US Navy. One of Bob's elementary-aged pupils astutely commented on the dichotomy between the award which was reported in the local paper and the broken foot! Over his life, Bob developed and retained a love for the water, purchasing his first boat, a small sailboat, in 1970 and learning to sail with the entire family. His patient demeanor, bright mind, and pilot instincts made him a natural fit for boating, which he and Anne enjoyed throughout New Jersey's waters and elsewhere. Bob ultimately owned both power boats and sailboats, but, for him, nothing ever beat that quiet moment when the sails filled and the engine was cut. He and Anne always enjoyed traveling to locations that allowed them to enjoy their shared interests, the water and classical music. Bob's focus, however, always centered on family, friends and community. His positive influence on individuals within his community continued through his 30 plus years of retirement at Governor's Land and Williamsburg Landing in Williamsburg, VA. He and Anne ran the Landing's comprehensive flea market for years and Bob spent innumerable hours bringing joy to residents in the Landing's skilled nursing facility through singing with them. His upstanding character, vibrant personality, and commitment to his family, friends, and community will be deeply missed.
Bob is survived by his three children, Debora (Jim) Owen, David (Jean) Laib, and Susan Laib; five grandchildren, Katherine (Mark) Tom, Jeneva (Justin) Cronin, Andria (Casey) Laib Jenkins, Robert J. Laib, and David McEuen; one great-grandchild, Reid Cronin; and his sister, Josephine Johnston. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Anne, and by his son-in-law, Steve McEuen. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to:
Stephen H. Montgomery Education Fund (for Williamsburg Landing employees), c/o Sally Wolfe, 5700 Williamsburg Landing Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23185 or Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185 memo: Community Benevolence Fund.