Robert Henry Deeds, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and Army veteran, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on June 5, 1932, in Bovard, Pennsylvania, Bob touched the lives of many with his generosity and unwavering commitment to his wife and family.
Bob was born to the late Abraham Deeds and Genevieve Thomas, and he was immensely proud of his humble beginnings. Growing up in Bovard, he learned the value of hard work and perseverance that would guide him throughout his life.
In 1959, Bob married the love of his life, Mary Rose Koper. Their union was a testament to their enduring love and devotion, lasting nearly 65 years. Together, they created a beautiful family and shared a lifetime of cherished memories.
Bob's dedication to his country was exemplified through his 22 years of military service in the United States Army. He bravely served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was stationed at numerous military facilities in Germany and throughout the United States.
Following his retirement from the military, Bob joined Hobart as a service technician for 24 years. He took pride in his profession, drawing on his vast knowledge and experience to provide exceptional service. Bob's hard work and dedication earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bob was an avid sports enthusiast, participating in the Senior Olympics and, along with Mary, had an unwavering passion for supporting the ODU Women's basketball team and cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His love of sports brought him closer to his family, creating lasting memories of shared victories and defeats.
Bob's legacy lives on through his six daughters, Anna Rice (Michael), Catherine Wilson (Rob), Barbara Rice (Thomas), Christina Hughes (Allen), Mary Cornell (Fred), and Julie Metzgar (Thomas). He was a pillar of strength and a constant source of inspiration to his daughters, always offering unconditional love, guidance, and support.
As a loving grandfather to nine grandchildren, Craig Hughes, Amanda Keith (Eyun), Sarah Gillette (Davidson), Nicole Zukowski (Anthony), Jessica Wilson, Emily Barbachem (Brent), Elizabeth Taylor (Derek), Brooks Rice (Amanda), and Caroline Rice, Bob truly cherished the immeasurable happiness they brought to his life.
Bob's love extended to his five great-grandchildren, Blake Zukowski, Cooper and Isabella Barbachem, Greyson Taylor, and Henry Gillette. He took immense pride in watching them grow.
Visitation for family and friends will be on Monday, February 19, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach.
A funeral service will be held at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Boulevard, on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow at the Rosewood Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Bob's family kindly requests contributions be made to Disabled American Veterans or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Robert Henry Deeds was a remarkable man who lived a life filled with love, kindness, and dedication to his family and country. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his legacy live on through the generations to come.
