Robert Leland Stites

Robert (Bob) Leland Stites, 80, of Chantilly, Virginia passed away on August 9, 2024. Bob was born on May 17, 1944 in Melbourne, Australia to Leland and Betty Stites. As a son of a United States Marine, Bob moved a lot as a child and lived all over the world. His family’s final move was to Alexandria, Virginia.

Beginning in elementary school, Bob began taking percussion lessons where he went on to play in numerous bands and pit orchestras. While in high school Bob participated on his high school’s rowing team where his team won the National Championship Regatta.

He attended Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana; graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics in 1967. During his years at Hanover College, Bob was the drummer for Gentlemen Bleu and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. It was also at Hanover that Bob met the love of his life, Ella, in Russian class. Bob and Ella married on June 8, 1968 and resided in Chantilly, Virginia.

Bob was an independent technology consultant, working with various companies over the years. He found his work with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Center for Missing & Exploited Children most rewarding. He was an active member of Pender United Methodist Church, serving as Chairman of the building committee and a youth group volunteer. Bob & Ella later became members of Floris United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his faithful wife of 56 years, Ella, and their three children, Robert Geoffrey Stites (Monica), Tracy Elizabeth Machinski (Griff), and Stephanie Anne Mitchell (Scott). He is also survived by 9 grandchildren (Taylor, Ryley, Jordan, Hunter, Emily, Peyton, Gavin, Mackenzie & Jaxson), 1 great-granddaughter (Ashlyn), his brother, Douglas Stites (Susy), and numerous relatives in Australia and the United States.

Bob loved working on computers, creating or building anything, photography, traveling, and was a life-long learner. He loved watching and refereeing soccer, reading, music, and enjoyed desserts to the fullest. Bob LOVED life, his family, and dreaming of future adventures. Despite numerous health struggles over the years, Bob had the most remarkable attitude… grateful for each day, and embodied eternal optimism. If you ever asked Bob how he was, regardless of circumstances, his reply was always, “I’m FANTASTIC!” He is loved beyond measure and deeply missed!!

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Floris United Methodist Church (13600 Frying Pan Road, Herndon, VA 20171).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Donate Life America in memory of Robert Leland Stites. https://www.classy.org/give/208615