Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 23, 2017
Location: St. Jerome Catholic Church
Reception: Following the Service
Robert Joseph “Bob” Stemann, longtime resident of Newport News, was born on August 12, 1935, and passed away on October 13, 2017. His life was devoted to his family. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. Bob was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Leonard George Stemann and Clara Lorraine Hentz Stemann. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marjorie Hillebrand and brother-in-law William Hillebrand, and his grandson Liam Joseph Stemann.
Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years Mary Ellen Stemann, his brother Leonard Stemann and sister-in-law Joan Stemann, and his eight children: Robert Stemann (Karen), David Stemann (Genevieve), Ellen Stemann Vest, Kathryn Cohen (Wesley), Margaret Stemann-Thompson (David), Laura Crotteau (Donald), Elizabeth Moore (David), and Tim Stemann (Sarah). He was blessed with 21 grandchildren: Joshua, Meghan and Aaron Stemann; Liam, Claire and Audrey Stemann; Adam, Sarah and Katherine Vest; Hannah, Eliza and Samuel Cohen; Henry and Rowan Thompson; Charles, Delaney and Elliot Crotteau; Paidyn and Quinn Moore; and Ruby and Margo Stemann.
After graduating from the University of Cincinnati, Bob served in the U.S. Army, and then worked as a mechanical engineer, settling in Newport News for the last 24 years of his career with Westinghouse, designing nuclear reactors on Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. He was active in his community, serving St. Jerome Catholic Church, the Village Green Community Association, Village Green swim team, the Knights of Columbus, and Meals on Wheels. Bob was a lifelong Cincinnati sports fan, following the Reds, Bengals and the U.C. Bearcats. Once his children entered college, he made room for the VT Hokies and ODU Monarchs. He enjoyed golf, tennis, and bowling. Above all he cherished time with his family. He especially liked traveling with his wife and children to family reunions, natural landmarks, and historic monuments. “Papa” experienced great joy from time spent with his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his calm and gentle spirit, and his steadfast love of family.
We will honor and celebrate Bob’s life at a Funeral Mass on Monday, October 23, 2107 at 11:00am at St. Jerome Catholic Church by Rev. Joe Goldsmith. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are by Weymouth Funeral Home.