Robert Marvin Nantz

Robert Marvin Nantz, aged 78, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025 at BayHealth Sussex Campus, surrounded by his wife and children.

“Bob” was born in Buffalo NY to John and Louise Nantz on February 4, 1946, the youngest of four children. Home for the young Nantz family was Upstate New York and Bob graduated from Batavia High School in 1965. It was the tumultuous Vietnam Era and to serve his country, he was moved to enlist in the US Navy, culminating with combat aboard the USS St. Francis River LSMR 525 from 1967 until 1969.  After Vietnam, he transferred to the Naval Reserve until the war’s end when he was Honorably Discharged.

After Vietnam, he settled in West Palm Beach FL where he was employed as a machinist at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in the mock-up room working on the space shuttle. 

In 1975 he followed his heart to Dover where he married Mary Ann “Mimi” Mackie. 

He was employed by Playtex in the Machine Shop, later moving on to Scott Paper in 1980. In 2004 Bob retired from Procter & Gamble as a Maintenance Coordinator.

Bob always had an ornery sense of humor and he often delighted in selling an unsuspecting friend or colleague what he called a “wolf cookie.” Like the time he convinced a friend that he had grown a crop of pole beans that grew their own poles.

Bob and Mimi made their home and raised their family in Dover, always supporting the many endeavors and aspirations of their children. All the while, he was loving and giving and caring. Bob shared a true lust for life with all who knew him.

Among his many interests his volunteer spirit never wavered. Bob enjoyed membership in several military service organizations and worked tirelessly at Dover’s American Legion Walter L Fox Post and Delaware Veterans Post 2 (DelVets). He also was a member of VFW Post 6483 (Milford), AmVets Post 22 (Long Neck), and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 850 (Dover).

After his retirement he enjoyed RVing and camping with Mimi and their loyal German Shorthaired Pointer “Gem.” Together they travelled and explored Florida, and the Great Smoky Mountains where they also enjoyed their vacation home in the Cowee Valley.

Bob is survived by his wife of 49 years Mary Ann “Mimi,” daughter Mary Bell (Robert) and grandchildren Lindsey, John, Andrew, Mary Emma, Clara, Irma and Sarah all of Dover; son David Nantz (Danielle Waszak) and grandchildren Kyle, Tye, Bella and Michael, all of Dover; step son Brett Nantz of San Francisco CA, brother John David “Jack” Nantz (Susan) of Portland OR, and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents John and Louise Nantz and his sisters Eloise and Joanne.

A memorial service and Celebration of Life will be held at DelVets, 720 Pear St., Dover on Saturday April 12, 2025 at 4 pm.

Because Bob was a lifelong blood donor, the family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Blood Bank of Delmarva. 

Interment will be private.

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