Robert David McNab

Born April 4, 1933 in Sanford, Florida, Bobby entered the world prematurely and with profound deafness. His early years were spent overcoming the obstacles that come with being a deaf child in a hearing world.

Eager to learn American Sign Language (ASL) and assimilate with peers in the deaf culture, Bobby leapt at the opportunity to attend the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) in St. Augustine, FL. His years spent at FSDB were the most formative of his life. Once fluent in ASL he could fully communicate with the world. Bobby enjoyed playing football at FSDB (though his true allegiance went to the Florida Gators).

On February 23, 1956, Bobby wed his college sweetheart, Mary Nell Blackmon. Their young family grew with the birth of their first daughter, Diane, followed by MaryJane and was completed by Kimberly. With the promise of a stable career in the printing department of the Washington Post, Bobby relocated his family to Alexandria, VA in 1967.

Bobby was blissfully unaware of the slights he received due to his disability. He never complained, he never got down. He was a living testimony of a man who was happy to be alive and grateful for all he had. He was always quick with a joke and rarely could he be seen without a huge (often toothless) grin on his face.

He served 30 years at the Washington Post, traveling into D.C. to work the night shift in the printing department. His love for the newspaper lived on long beyond his retirement. In his spare time you could find him reading his beloved Washington Post newspaper, applying duct tape to almost any tangible item, or scratching a VA lottery ticket.

Bobby McNab is preceded in death by his parents, David and Lucile (Echols) McNab; his loving wife; Mary Nell; his brother "Zeke" McNab (Barbara); and his twin sister Barbara Swaggerty (Herman).

He is survived by his three loving daughters who will forever be his ears, his voice, and his constant advocates: Diane Haines (Aaron) of Centerville, VA; MaryJane Brady of Alliance, OH; and, Kimberly Ulrich (Douglas) of Leesburg, VA. His five grandchildren: Michael Hartzell (Toni); Kristen Ulrich; Courtney Cline (Heath); Brittney McCormack (Jason); and Amber Brady. He is also survived by his eight great-grandchildren: Landon, Haylie, Kinsley, Nixon, Camden, Ania, Colbie, and Simone, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A small, family celebration of his life will be on Friday, December 18 at 12 noon at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd. Arlington VA, 22203. Graveside service to follow at Columbia Garden Cemetery.