Robert Lee Winfield passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 7, 2019, twelve years after his bride, Diane Marie Winfield passed away. Born in Norfolk on September 3, 1931, he was the oldest son of James Robert and Louisa Tabb Winfield. His family lived in New York City from 1932 – 1941. They moved to Virginia Beach in 1941.
Bob attended Oceana High School. He had 6 sisters, Clareen, Barbara, Brenda, Mary Lou and Linda who kept him well connected with the prettiest girls in school. His favorite place to take his girlfriends was dancing outside in the sand at the Peppermint Beach Club in Virginia Beach. He earned his spending money at Stormont Market on Pacific Avenue. His two brothers, Earl and Brian tried to keep up.
Bob loved listening to classical music, opera and reading historical fiction. He continued to dance at every opportunity, especially when there was music from the 50's. His favorite musical instrument was the harmonica, which he played often for his grandchildren.
Eager to serve his country, Bob joined the Marines in 1950. He fought in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts and retired from the Marines in 1970 as a Chief Warrant Officer-2. He was the recipient of two Purple Hearts for his service in Korea, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service medal.
After retiring from the military Bob worked for John Hancock Insurance Company in Virginia Beach. He continued serving his community through many volunteer organizations including Kiwanis, Key Club, Knights of Columbus, and Boy Scouts of America. He was a devout Catholic and attended 7 AM Mass regularly at St. Gregory the Great in Virginia Beach.
He met his future wife, Diane, while he was stationed in Quantico, Virginia in early August, 1953. When they found out they shared the same birthday, they decided to get married on their birthday but Diane's mother, Lillian Adams, convinced them to wait one month. They were married on October 3, 1953 and shared 54 years together. When they decided to start a family, they both agreed it would be wonderful to have a daughter. They were blessed with 4 sons Robert, Gregory, David and Paul and 1 daughter, Laura. Their family continued to grow, adding 12 grandchildren and 3 great- grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his sons and their families: Robert and Terry Winfield and children: Karen, Lee and Sam; Greg Winfield and daughters: Kimberly, Hillary, and Courtney; David and Laney Winfield and sons: Jacob and Lucas; Paul Winfield, and his daughter: Laura and Bill Hemingway, and children: Lauren, Diane, Bill and Bob. His family, Barbara Rossi, Faye and Billy Edwards, Brenda and Robert Paige, Mary Lou and Bobby Epstein, Earl and Maria Winfield, Linda Matthews and Brian and Carol Winfield as well as their families and many, many friends will also miss him greatly.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Bob's favorite charities: American Cancer Society, St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, and Little Sisters of the Poor, http://littlesistersofthepoor.org http://littlesistersofthepoor.org.
