Robert Michael Valentine Vann departed this life on Thursday, May 3, 2018. He was born on February 14, 1935, Valentine’s Day in Harlem, New York to the late Thomas and Irma Vann. He was the youngest of 7 children; four sisters (Irma, Sarah, Marjorie and Geraldine); and 2 brothers (Thomas Jr. and Russell). He grew up in the Harlem River Projects in New York, and was drafted into the Army 101st Airborne Division where he served with honor and distinction. He was proud of his service in the Airborne Division, and often recounted his experiences. After his service, he returned home where his Dad helped him get a job in the New York Times Advertising Department. It was there that he became a Shop Steward, and his career “took flight.” He received a promotion to Business Agent of the Newspaper Guild, representing the New York Times, Daily News, New York Post, El Diario, El Progressio, Scientific American, and a host of other newspapers and magazines. “Bob” as he liked to be called was responsible for bringing job opportunities to a host of family and friends, too numerous to mention, but includes his wife, Elaine, his brother-in-law, Donald Johnson, both of whom worked at the New York Times; and his two children, Robin and Bobby Jr., who worked at the Daily News. Bob, as he was affectionately called by most, and “Malcolm” as he was called by a few (because of his oratory skills) was a very compassionate person who truly embraced the full meaning of manhood. He had very strong convictions, and did not hesitate to express them. He was an avid reader of books and newspapers, and loved entertaining family and friends, playing golf, listening to jazz and watching movies and boxing. His memory will forever be engraved in the hearts of his wife of 58 years, Elaine, his daughters, Shirlyne Vann Sylman, Robin Vann Moore, Son-in-law, Ernest Moore, son, Robert Vann Jr., daughter-in-law, Lorri Vann; his grandchildren, Nai Kai Vann, Latisha, Mary Michelle, Tenyne and Tyler Moore, Daryl and Ciara Vann, his great grandchildren, Blayse, Zahir, Zahmir, Jayden, Taylor and Mariah, brother-in-law, Donald Johnson (Ulla), goddaughter, Tamara Edmonds-Thomas (Bryan), and a host of other nieces, nephews and friends. He has achieved success, has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, and the respect of intelligent men, who has filled his niche and accomplished his task, who has left the world better than he found it, who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; and whose memory a benediction.
