Robert Edward De Grouche

Robert de Grouche, a long-time resident of 76th Street in Virginia Beach, died on February 12, 2016, in Staunton, Virginia. He was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on June 13, 1934 to William and May de Grouche who preceded him in death. A graduate of Churchland High School, Bob attended Virginia Tech prior to and following two years in the Army stationed in Paris, an event that triggered his lifelong love of that city. His early career was in electrical engineering and later he worked in real estate as an agent and also in managing his investment properties. Bob loved sailing, snow skiing, martial arts and working out at Wareing’s Gym. He was a volunteer at Cape Henry Lighthouse and prided himself in running up and down the steps to the top “faster than anyone”. He was a lifelong learner with an inquiring mind and an interest in many subjects. He is survived by his former wife, Mary; sister and brother-in-law, Sam and Emily Blount; niece and nephew, Dena Gearhart and Clayton Blount; cousins, Mary Murphy and Donna Whitesell (Portsmouth, Virginia); as well as special friends, Judy and Bill Dabney of Yorktown. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Henry Funeral Home in Staunton, Virginia is handling the arrangements.