Robert Phillip Sonier

Robert Phillip Sonier, "Bob, Papa, Gunner", 84, went to be with the Lord on October 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Chicago, IL to the late Mary Emma Schenck and Robert John Sonier predeceased by son Christopher and sisters Ardetta Barsokewitch and Feril Holloway. Left to cherish his memory are his high school sweetheart and wife Jeanette of 64 years, children Robert (Nicole), Scott (Anita), Stephanie (Chris) Cormier, grandchildren who brought him such joy, Hailee, Sepp, James and Olivia and nieces Ann Marie, Lynette, Darice, Alicia, Celeste, Suzy and nephew Joe.
Bob's family roots are from the Bayous of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans at the turn of the 19th century. His parents migrated to Chicago where he was born on December 11, 1940. At the age of 15, while attending Weber Catholic High School, he met his future wife Jeanette at the roller-skating rink. They married five years later while Bob was stationed in Rota, Spain with the U.S. Navy. Together they served their country and welcomed the birth of their children while they were stationed around the world: Spain, Nevada, Guam, California, Washington, Florida and one final move to Virginia Beach. After this 25 year adventure he went on to graduate from St. Leo University, worked for Navy contractors Raytheon and Hydroscience and in semi-retirement with the Virginia Beach School System.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 11:00 A.M at Star of the Sea Catholic Church including inurnment in the Church's Columbarium followed by light hospitality in the Parish Hall. The family will receive friends at the Church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Star of the Sea Catholic School at www.sosschool.org/support-our-stars/how-to-give/ in Robert Sonier's memory. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdofh@aol.com.
Bob was a loving caring husband, father, and Papa who put the needs of others above his own. He was our provider, coach, teacher, mechanic, fresh blue crab expert, fisherman, computer technician and above all our problem solver. He spent the last nine years dealing with an infected knee replacement faithfully taking antibiotics three times a day along with treatment for osteoporosis, prostate cancer and arthritis with remarkable patience and courage.
"I CAN FIX IT" was his motto.