Robert Andrew Lancendorfer

Robert Andrew Lancendorfer (Lance) passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Lance was a longtime resident of Phoenix, Arizona, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 28, 1936 to Michael A. Lancendorfer and Margaret Surjan.

Lance joined the Navy during the Korean War August 1954 to September 1957. He successfully completed the Navy Engineman Diesel course. He qualified in Submarine Service (SS) on the USS REDFIN SSR272. He achieved 3rd class rank (END3/SS).

Lance was very proud of his Submarine Service. He often attended reunions for his submarine. After completing his active duty service, he studied engineering at Ward School of Electronics, Hillier College, Class of 1961.

Lance worked at Honeywell as a quality control engineer for over 25 years before retiring.

Over the years, Lance enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, most especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed coaching little League baseball, fishing, camping, and traveling. As his children grew older, his joy of travel expanded to cruise ships. Lance lived with an unwavering faith in God and has always been extremely active in the church. He volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul for many years as well. Lance has always been known for his generosity and willingness to help a person in need. In his quiet time he enjoyed reading and was a lifelong Detroit Lions fan.

Lance will be remembered as a loving, kind person whose smile embodied his joyful outlook on life.

Lance is survived by Mary, his beloved wife for these past 10 years.

Lance and Mary Norman-Bartoli met while volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul at Saints Simon & Jude Cathedral. Both felt rewarded by how they felt after helping a client with home, health, and hygiene. A connection of love, companionship, and laughter were the memories they made together. Laughter, acceptance, and warm feelings are what family and friends will remember about Lance.

He was preceded in death by his first love, Norma. They were married for 54 years. They met while Lance was serving in the Navy, while on leave, at a roller skating rink in Hartford Connecticut, where she worked handing out the skates. Norma passed in 2011.

Lance is also survived by his children with Norma: Cathy Farley and son-in-law Kevin of Washington State; Robert Paul Lancendorfer and daughter-in-law Nerissa of Washington State; and Mary Collier and son-in-law Clint of Phoenix. He is also survived by his grandchildren Theresa Pittman and husband Lonnie, Jonathan Farley and wife Kathy, Hunter Collier and wife Katie, and Chloe Collier; great-grandchildren Aerithmay Pittman, Alex Farley, and Eleanor Farley.

He was preceded in death by his sons Michael J. Lancendorfer and Donald E. Lancendorfer; and his brothers Michael W. Lancendorfer, Jim Sall, and Frank Sall.

Funeral Mass will be held at SS. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ. 85017 on Friday, August 22nd, 2025 at 11 am.

If you would like to make a donation in Robert's name, please consider giving to St. Vincent de Paul at Saints Simon & Jude.