Robert F. Lauer Sr.

Robert F. Lauer, 94, of Portsmouth, died peacefully at his home on September 16, 2023. Bob was born in 1929 in Baltimore, MD., to Frederick Baldwin Lauer and Augusta Pauline Matthia Lauer, the eighth of nine children. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Norma Lee Nixon Lauer, his parents, and eight siblings. He is survived by his three sons: Rob Lauer, Chris Lauer, and Mark Lauer; daughter-in- law, Robin Preziotti Lauer; granddaughter, Sydney Lauer Wantz, and husband, Jeffrey Wantz, of Taneytown, MD; grandson, Nicholas Lauer, of Los Angeles, CA.; and 14 nieces and nephews. Moving with his family from Baltimore to Portsmouth in 1939, Bob graduated from Wilson High School in 1948. A Korean War combat veteran, he served in the Cavalry from 1951 to 1953, earning a Korean Service Medal with three battle stars. Returning to Portsmouth, he married the love of his life, Norma Lee, in 1954 and worked in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard while attending college at night under the GI Bill. After graduating from ODU in 1964, Bob began a career as a computer programmer for NAVMAASO (Navy Management System Support Office) at Naval Base Norfolk. He worked on the development of SNAP (Shipboard Non-Tactical ADP Program), one of the first US Navy shipboard computer systems. Bob was a founding member of New Creation/ Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Chesapeake, where he served as Sunday School President for several years in the 1970s and was an active founding member of the Joy Class. Bob loved sports, was a lifelong fan of the Yankees and the Orioles, and was also a champion ping-pong player. For Bob, family always came first; he loved them all unconditionally. He was a devoted husband to Norma, father to his three sons, grandfather to his two grandchildren, and uncle to his 14 nieces and nephews. His grandchildren, Sydney and Nicholas, called him Pop-Pop—a name he was known by among all their friends, for whom he served as a loveable grandfather figure. Quick-witted, good- natured, and kind, Bob was always singing and whistling. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends, who will remain eternally grateful for having had such a wonderful, loving man in their lives. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, October 2, at New Creation/Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4320 Bruce Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23321