Mr. Robert Lee Curfman Jr.

Bob was born on March 22, 1934, in Mathews County, Virginia to the late Robert Lee Curfman, Sr. and Alma Ruth (Hall) Curfman. He was the oldest of 3 children with siblings Betty Ann Sullivan and Richard Howard Curfman (deceased). After moving several times as a child, they settled in Broad Creek Village after World War II. He graduated from Norview High School, Norfolk, VA in 1953 where he played on the football and basketball teams. He also served as President of his Junior class, President of the Football Club, and President of the Hi-Y Honor Club. While in high school, Bobby met the love of his life, Ida Jane Young, at church. After dating and working for 3 years to pay for college, they were married in September 1956. Shortly thereafter, he and Ida Jane moved to Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now, Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, Virginia. Bob graduated in 1960 with a BS Degree in Civil Engineering. While there, he was President of the Student Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, President of the Baptist Married Students Union, a member of the American Road Builders Association, and a member of the Association of Married Students.

After graduation, Bob and Jane moved to Alexandria; but they quickly moved back to Virginia Beach to start their family. Bob began working at the Fifth Naval District Public Works Office, Bureau of Yards and Docks (LANTDOCKS, now Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Atlantic) designing piers, bulkheads, towers, and a “bridge that is still standing” using his slide rule.

He later moved to Overseas Project Management when Navy construction in Europe was at its peak supporting NATO missions to defend against the former Soviet Union in the Cold War. As a result, he enjoyed travel to Canada, Azores, Iceland, Germany, France, Belgium, Bermuda, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Greece, Morocco, Kenya, Somalia, and Liberia. He also participated in his profession by becoming President of Tidewater Chapter of Virginia Society of Professional Engineers (VSPE) and serving on the Board of Directors for VSPE. Bob retired from the Federal Government in 1998 with 38 years of service to the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, and our country.

Bob was most proud of his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a faithful and responsible leader and strived to create a better life for his family. While he was a man of few words, they were always rooted in a strong biblical foundation and impeccable integrity. Bob and Jane were active members at Bayside Baptist Church for over 60 years, where Bob served as deacon. During his free time, he enjoyed football, basketball, baseball, fishing, and golfing. He found time to take many family vacations including Disney World and Canada, as well as annual trips to Nags Head and camping at Lake Gaston. As a father, he cared a lot about education and served as President of Hermitage Elementary School PTA and on the Virginia Beach Public School Curriculum Committee.

Bob was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Ida Jane (Young) Curfman and is survived by his three children Robert David Curfman and wife Lori, Carole Jane Joslin and husband Mike, and Christopher Lee Curfman and wife Melissa.

He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren: Adam Curfman and wife Liz, Abbie Garrett and husband Alex, Anna Hansen and husband Garrett, Daniel Joslin and wife Kendall, Ben Joslin and wife Kara, Christine Triplett and husband Hunter, Jonathan Joslin and wife Brooke, Zachary Curfman, Brianna Curfman, and Gabrielle Curfman.

He is also survived by his 12 great-grandchildren: Rylee and Brynn Joslin; Rori, Marli, Andi and Murphi Triplett; Rhett, Grayson and Lane Hansen; Berkley Joslin and Hayden Powers; and baby Garrett (ETA July 30, 2025).

He was a God-fearing, loving, and faithful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and will be greatly missed.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 from 5-7:30 pm at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Rd., Virginia Beach VA 23462. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 1 pm at Bayside Baptist Church, 1920 Pleasure House Rd., Virginia Beach VA 23455. A graveside committal will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park. For more details and to offer fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Curfman family please see www.kellumfuneralhome.com.