When you lose someone as precious as Bob, there’s a gaping void. A true Virginia Beach native, born March 9, 1922, he lived an amazing life. Bob attended WT Cooke Elementary School, then Oceana High School and at the age of 17 joined the United States Coast Guard. Bob was stationed on the USS Wakefield,…
Continue ReadingWhen you lose someone as precious as Bob, there’s a gaping void. A true Virginia Beach native, born March 9, 1922, he lived an amazing life. Bob attended WT Cooke Elementary School, then Oceana High School and at the age of 17 joined the United States Coast Guard. Bob was stationed on the USS Wakefield, a butcher by trade, and he helped feed the troops two meals a day and the crew three. He loved it. He carried 5000 troops each trip across the Atlantic making over 17 round trips, mostly to ports of call in Europe but also dropped soldiers at Omaha Beach on D-Day. A true, dedicated World War II Veteran.
Bob switched gears in April 1948 and went into the electrical business with his friend Ben and eventually married Ben’s sister Juanita. They were married July 24,1949 for 69 years until “Nita’s” passing.
It’s very possible you have met Bob. He was the Electrical Inspector Supervisor with the City of Virginia Beach Permits and Inspections for many years. His knowledge was extensive regarding anything electrical. His personal time was spent hunting, fishing, being on the water and helping his friends. A loving, caring man, he spent many hours telling stories of his expansive life, showing others wiring and helping wherever he could. So dearly loved and treasured. Bob’s remaining, living relative is his sister, Val Grecky, who lives in Greenville, NC. She is a real peach. They talked each week and continued seeing each other several times each year. Val is just as sweet as Bob.
Bob passed away in his sleep on February 5, 2023, just shy of 101 years of age. He requested no funeral and no service. There will be no visitation. He will have an interment at Rosewood Memorial Park later in the spring. With that being said, there are many who wish to pay their respects and honor this cherished man who managed to touch so many people in so many ways over 100 years. His extended family will read your loving messages on this site and make a toast to a man whose life reached far beyond Virginia Beach. God bless you Bobby…..you are truly loved.
Linda Allen Clifton
left a message on March 7, 2023:
Tho you lived a robust and full life as you touched and endeared so many of us so deeply with your warm, funny, brash, quirky, remarkable, generous, upbeat, interesting, vivacious, witty and always loving personality ...it, your life, was too short for me! I miss you Bob Manges.. I will always hold you in my heart and cherish the great memories of being in your presence! Loved you mister!! See ya later!! Sending you Hugs, Linda
Jennifer Galloway
left a message on February 24, 2023:
My heart shattered when I read of Uncle Bomb's passing. I truly loved this man with all my heart. I remember a day that he came to the pharmacy and I was stressed. from the register I heard him called "Heya Cupcake". All the stress of my day instantly was obliterated just from those two words. He could light up my day like no other. My husband and I share condolences to all that know and shared moments, memories, and stories of this truly amazing life.
Jennifer Scholl
left a message on February 20, 2023:
Bob was a wonderful man who will be truly missed.
Durwood Cooper, Jr.
left a message on February 20, 2023:
Alma Dean Cooper, and children, Dwan, Joy, Fay, Suzy and Durwood, Jr. wish to express our condolences to family and friends. Bob and Cousin Nita were a wonderful couple who enjoyed family sharing their love and humor with all. May God bring you comfort and fill your heart with peace and love as you share wonderful memories of times together!
Ron & Cecile Saunders
left a message on February 20, 2023:
Cecile and I wish to extend our condolence to all that loved and are missing Bob.
We were fortunate to have shared many good times with Bob. He was definitely considered part of our family and was affectionately referred to by many as "Uncle Bob". We were the beneficiaries of the love Bob extended to so many. There is so much we could say but most of you already know. We do wish to acknowledge and give our thanks to Karen and Rick for all they did for Bob and for allowing us and our entire family to be a part of it. We know Bob appreciated it and we certainly did. We will definitely miss him and always remember him.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
WALLY DAMON, JR
left a message on February 19, 2023:
My dearest and oldest friend, Bob Manges, was born at the VB oceanfront on March 9, 1922, in a cinderblock summer cottage with no electricity, plumbing or water, (there was a pump in the front yard,) along with older brother Clyde and younger sister Valera. He attended W.T. Cooke Elementary School and Oceana High School. On Sept.18, 1939 at the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and on THAT DAY was on a patrol boat and on his way to a ship called the "Modoc" in Wilmington, N.C. Later he attended military Cooks and Bakers School in Groton, Conn. and became an instructor. His pay was $21.00 per month. After WW II started, he became a Chief Petty Officer and was transferred to U.S. Navy Ship "Wakefield". (if you Youtube "Navy ship Wakefield" you can hear Bob blow into a speaking tube, then calling men to come eat. Bob met Commander (Boxer) Jack Dempsey (Recreational Officer) and they went back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean bringing troops to war beginning with D-Day at Omaha Beach. They also brought German prisoners to Camp Ashby here in Princess Anne County. Married 69 years, Bob had his first date with future wife Nita at Allen's Grill in Chesapeake Beach. He became a Virginia Beach Volunteer Fireman and eventually Asst. Chief with his friend Bubba Bayne. He went to work for the City of VB as an Electrical Inspector rising to Supervisor, eventually retiring at 87 years old. Yes, 87.
Eileen Prisby
left a message on February 19, 2023:
I did not have the pleasure of meeting Bob, but I know that he made a profound impact on the lives of my sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Wally Damon, and their children, all of whom loved him dearly. From the stories they shared with me, it is clear that Bob was a gift to this world, and everyone he spent time with were better for it. Clear sailing, Bob, and thank you for all you were to this world!
HAROLD GASKILL
left a message on February 19, 2023:
WHAT A GREAT MAN... SO WELL VERSED IN SO MANY THINGS...BOB WOULD HELP ANYONE HE COULD...WORKED WITH HIM FOR MANY YEARS AT CVB. SO GLAD I VISITED HIM AT HIS HOME LAST SPRING. WE HAVE LOST ANOTHER OF THE GREATEST GENERATION. SHIPMATE YOU STAND RELIEVED, WE HAVE THE WATCH!
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Linda Allen Clifton
left a message on March 7, 2023:
Tho you lived a robust and full life as you touched and endeared so many of us so deeply with your warm, funny, brash, quirky, remarkable, generous, upbeat, interesting, vivacious, witty and always loving personality ...it, your life, was too short for me! I miss you Bob Manges.. I will always hold you in my heart and cherish the great memories of being in your presence! Loved you mister!! See ya later!! Sending you Hugs, Linda
Jennifer Galloway
left a message on February 24, 2023:
My heart shattered when I read of Uncle Bomb's passing. I truly loved this man with all my heart. I remember a day that he came to the pharmacy and I was stressed. from the register I heard him called "Heya Cupcake". All the stress of my day instantly was obliterated just from those two words. He could light up my day like no other. My husband and I share condolences to all that know and shared moments, memories, and stories of this truly amazing life.
Jennifer Scholl
left a message on February 20, 2023:
Bob was a wonderful man who will be truly missed.
Durwood Cooper, Jr.
left a message on February 20, 2023:
Alma Dean Cooper, and children, Dwan, Joy, Fay, Suzy and Durwood, Jr. wish to express our condolences to family and friends. Bob and Cousin Nita were a wonderful couple who enjoyed family sharing their love and humor with all. May God bring you comfort and fill your heart with peace and love as you share wonderful memories of times together!
Ron & Cecile Saunders
left a message on February 20, 2023:
Cecile and I wish to extend our condolence to all that loved and are missing Bob.
We were fortunate to have shared many good times with Bob. He was definitely considered part of our family and was affectionately referred to by many as "Uncle Bob". We were the beneficiaries of the love Bob extended to so many. There is so much we could say but most of you already know. We do wish to acknowledge and give our thanks to Karen and Rick for all they did for Bob and for allowing us and our entire family to be a part of it. We know Bob appreciated it and we certainly did. We will definitely miss him and always remember him.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
WALLY DAMON, JR
left a message on February 19, 2023:
My dearest and oldest friend, Bob Manges, was born at the VB oceanfront on March 9, 1922, in a cinderblock summer cottage with no electricity, plumbing or water, (there was a pump in the front yard,) along with older brother Clyde and younger sister Valera. He attended W.T. Cooke Elementary School and Oceana High School. On Sept.18, 1939 at the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and on THAT DAY was on a patrol boat and on his way to a ship called the "Modoc" in Wilmington, N.C. Later he attended military Cooks and Bakers School in Groton, Conn. and became an instructor. His pay was $21.00 per month. After WW II started, he became a Chief Petty Officer and was transferred to U.S. Navy Ship "Wakefield". (if you Youtube "Navy ship Wakefield" you can hear Bob blow into a speaking tube, then calling men to come eat. Bob met Commander (Boxer) Jack Dempsey (Recreational Officer) and they went back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean bringing troops to war beginning with D-Day at Omaha Beach. They also brought German prisoners to Camp Ashby here in Princess Anne County. Married 69 years, Bob had his first date with future wife Nita at Allen's Grill in Chesapeake Beach. He became a Virginia Beach Volunteer Fireman and eventually Asst. Chief with his friend Bubba Bayne. He went to work for the City of VB as an Electrical Inspector rising to Supervisor, eventually retiring at 87 years old. Yes, 87.
Eileen Prisby
left a message on February 19, 2023:
I did not have the pleasure of meeting Bob, but I know that he made a profound impact on the lives of my sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Wally Damon, and their children, all of whom loved him dearly. From the stories they shared with me, it is clear that Bob was a gift to this world, and everyone he spent time with were better for it. Clear sailing, Bob, and thank you for all you were to this world!
HAROLD GASKILL
left a message on February 19, 2023:
WHAT A GREAT MAN... SO WELL VERSED IN SO MANY THINGS...BOB WOULD HELP ANYONE HE COULD...WORKED WITH HIM FOR MANY YEARS AT CVB. SO GLAD I VISITED HIM AT HIS HOME LAST SPRING. WE HAVE LOST ANOTHER OF THE GREATEST GENERATION. SHIPMATE YOU STAND RELIEVED, WE HAVE THE WATCH!
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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