Bob was born on November 3, 1936, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was a fighter to the end, and after years of struggling with MS and a brief stint with cancer, he passed away peacefully and with dignity on April 19th. He was 87. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Jennings Phagen and Edna Earl, and his brother Jack. Bob had a good, long life and lived on his terms. He was resolute and steadfast in his independence and beliefs. He loved some special things and passed them on to his loved ones. He had a great love of nature, SCUBA diving, and sailing. He loved cars, watching Dale Earnhardt Sr. race, and all things mechanical. Bob loved his four ferrets, his cat Midnight, and his granddaughters. He enjoyed music, dancing, roller skating, exercise, his routines, and playing/coaching/watching his son in baseball. He lived a long, hard life and had few regrets at the end. Bob had an ear for music and was an accomplished trumpet player. He played for multiple bands during his life, most notably the Air Force Academy band. He was proud of his service and respected those who fought for his freedom. Bob was extremely mechanically inclined. He could take apart a car and put it back together without instructions and without too many parts missing. He strongly believed in doing things yourself and would never bring a car to a mechanic or an appliance to a store to be fixed. Bob took pride in never needing anyone’s help. He was honest, loyal, strong-minded, and old-fashioned. Bob is survived in death by his two children, daughter Sherry and son Robert, as well as three granddaughters, Julia, Ally, and Heather. Some of his final thoughts were of them and how proud he was of them all. Bob wanted us to give a special thanks to all the caregivers, nurses and hospice staff who were so kind, tentative, and caring for him. A special emphasis to Heather, Alicia and Joanne, who built such a unique bond with him when he needed it most. In the immortal words of Jerome Herman Dean, “Dizzy Dean”, when signing off the air for the last time, “Remember to touch all the bases, all the time.” Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org