John Robert (Bob) Mance of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, left our world, his beloved Mary, wife of 65 years, and his loving family on Nov. 10, 2017. Bob Mance, born on April 29, 1928, was a true life force whose strength of character, modesty, intellect, honesty, integrity, loyalty and family protectiveness, will forever be carried forth by all the people that he touched in his vibrant and full life. Bob Mance was the son of John Christopher Mance, a Latvian immigrant and founder of Mance Corporation, New York City Mechanical Contractors, and his mother, Virginia Frances Mance, who Bob helped into her next life at the rich age of 99.
1st Lt. John Robert Mance was honorably discharged from the United States Army shortly after he married Mary Elizabeth Deckers at Fort Rucker, Alabama, in 1952. The family grew in Mount Kisco, Dobbs Ferry, Ossining and finally Chappaqua, New York. Though always putting family first, Bob carried on the Mance family business until 1986. Bob and Mary Mance were members of Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Briarcliff Manor, New York, for over 40 years. Retirement to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1987 capped off this marvelous journey, which included 25 years for Bob and Mary as members of the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Bob did enjoy his golf. In 2005, Bob and Mary became residents of the Vicar’s Landing retirement community, where Mary still proudly resides today.
Bob was predeceased by his younger brother David and his youngest son Russell, who were both gone too soon. Surviving him are the love of his life Mary; daughter Kimberly Blauvelt (Scott) of Murrysville, Pennsylvania; and sons Craig Mance (Jody) of Brewster, Massachusetts, and Douglas Mance (Laura) of Tucson, Arizona. The next generation, with whom Bob also shared his wisdom and love, include Chris Blauvelt (Maribel), Kyle Blauvelt (Kristen) and Jon Blauvelt; Kristin Laplante (Nate), Kelly Loveday (Adam) and Julie Main (Alex) and Jessie Zugerman (David), Andrea and Carly Mance. He and Mary were just beginning to influence seven great grandchildren, with more on the way.
We will all miss the intense interest that Bob Mance shared in our lives, but we know with confidence that his advice and mentoring over the years have prepared us all very well to continue on without him. Please stay in touch with the family for future, informal gatherings and remembrances. Rest assured that Bob Mance had a proud, fine run.
