Robert J. Fanning

Dr. Robert J. Fanning, Sr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 3, 2014. He joins his wife of almost 60 years, Elfriede Fanning who passed away recently and his son Christopher who died unexpectedly in 1994. Dr. Fanning leaves behind a respect for teaching and learning and a legacy of service to children through is devotion to the field of public education.

Born in New York, Robert Fanning is the son of Esther and William Fanning and brother to William Fanning, Jr. He graduated from Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in 1941 and enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps to serve his country during World War II. Upon his return to the United States from the military, Robert attended Queens College in New York and then moved to Columbia Teachers’ College to earn his teaching credentials. He taught at the elementary school level where he met his future bride. After several years of teaching in Elementary and Jr. High Schools, he served as Assistant Principal and Principal in New York City. While working and raising 5 children, Robert earned his Ph.D. in Education from St. Johns University in New York. He then continued to work for the New York City Public School System as Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent of Community School District 30 in Long Island City. Following his retirement in 1984, when asked the one thing he missed about working for the school system, his quick and honest reply was, “The children.”

Robert Fanning will be remembered for his love of family, loyalty to friends, his quick wit and his love for music.

Dr. Robert Fanning, Sr. is survived by family members who deeply care for him: Barbara Fanning (daughter); Kathleen Aceves (daughter) and her husband Rik Aceves; Robert J. Fanning, Jr. (son) and his wife Cheryl Wonderly Fanning; Nancy Thompson (daughter) and her fiancé Mark Pernia. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Cindy Zork and her husband Tim Zork; Lisa Thompson and her fiancé Matthew Hanson; Eric Thompson and his significant other Alison Rose; Kevin Aceves, Aiden Aceves, Christine Aceves, William (Billy) Fanning, Christine Fanning and Lisa Fanning.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Thursday, February 6, 2014, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Oak Crest Village Chapel, 8820 Walther Blvd., Baltimore MD 21234, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in St. Joseph Church Cemetery (Fullerton). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in the name of Robert Fanning to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allan VA 23058.