Robert Stephen Vance, quietly passed to eternal life on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at the age of 95, joining his beloved wife Alice of whom he sorely missed for these last 16 months.
Born in his family home in Darby, PA on December 12, 1925, being the 2nd of 6 boys! Bob completed school through the 10th grade until drafted in 1945 to serve in the US Army Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller in Germany and Italy at the very end of World War II.
After an Honorable Discharge in 1948, he worked at Roberts Filter and then for the Post Office where he stayed until his retirement in 1987. Known to some as “Bob the Mailman” he walked his route in Darby and Collingdale, which may have contributed to his longevity! At the same time, Bob, worked part time in construction. Many family and friends were the beneficiaries of his self honed skills in construction and repairs of any sort.
Bob had a lifelong love of Aviation. He was able to realize his dream of flying after he and his brothers bought a 1940 J4 Piper Cub and completely rebuilt it in his Glenolden Garage over a 3 year period. After which he and Alice took many trips, visiting friends and family, as well as a number of airport restaurants! One flight in particular he often spoke of is when he did an acrobatic move with Alice in the passenger seat. She was not happy and he never did it again!
Bob became a born again Christian in 1979 and was not afraid to share his faith in God. Neighbors, family, waiters and waitresses all heard in some form his favorite verses, John 3:3 “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” and John 3:16 “who so ever believeth in Him, should have everlasting life”. He is now experiencing that everlasting life promised to him.
Preceded in Death by his wife of 70 years Alice M Vance, as well as three of his brothers, George, Tom, and Bill Vance. Survived by brothers Noel and Ron both of Aston, PA, daughters Kathleen Smith of Media, PA, Debbie Kilderry of Cherry Hill, NJ, son, Robert K. Vance of Apollo Beach, FL. And “adopted daughter” Marlene Wexler of Philadelphia, as well as 9 Grandchildren and 19 Great-Grandchildren. He will be missed by all.
No Service or Memorial service is being planned due to Covid.
Contributions, if so desired can be made to:
Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund
716 Amousland Rd, Morton, PA