Obituaries
Robert V. "Bob" Dann
August 13, 2026
Robert V “Bob” Dann, 88, of Norwalk, Ohio, a devoted husband and father, grandfather, aviation pioneer, and lifelong traveler and adventurer, passed away on August 13, 2026, at Stein Hospice in Sandusky.
Born March 9, 1938, in Norwalk, Bob was the son of the late Eleanor (Stieber) and Vernon Dann. He grew up on East Washington Street, attended St. Paul High School, and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1955 to 1958. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, he trained as a jet-engine mechanic—experience that set the course for his life’s work. After completing his service, Bob returned home and married Donna J. Higgins of Norwalk on July 11, 1959.
Bob was recruited by Pan American World Airways to work at JFK Airport, and he and Donna moved to Long Island. They settled in the small South Shore hamlet of Bayport, New York, where they raised their children, Randy, Darla, and Scott. Bob’s technical skill and leadership led to positions of increasing responsibility, including his selection to manage Pan Am’s Bangkok line station from 1967 to 1971. There, he was responsible for Pan Am’s emerging round-the-world jet service and vital rest-and-recuperation flights for American service members during the Vietnam War. He remained with Pan Am until its closure in 1991. His career afforded the family rare opportunities to travel, experience other cultures, and develop a broad worldview. At home, Bob enjoyed boating, hunting, martial arts, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and fishing.
Donna preceded Bob in death on August 10, 1990. He later remarried and was also preceded in death by his second wife, Jermaine Rodrigues. Bob is survived by his three children, Randy Dann and Darla Melaniff, both of Norwalk, and Scott Dann and his wife, Kendall, of Salt Lake City, Utah; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brother, Vernon Dann of Cincinnati; and his sister, Ruthy Phillips of Norwalk, with whom he remained close throughout his life.
Bob lived a full life of adventure, inspiring his children and all who knew him. He was a hard worker, held a second position as an adjunct professor at the Academy of Aeronautics, and led by example. Above all, he remained a strong and steadfast provider for his family until the day he died. His ingenuity, courage, adventurous spirit, and devotion to those he loved will be deeply missed and gratefully remembered.
A graveside service with military honors will be held Friday, August 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, 200 Woodlawn Avenue, Norwalk.
A celebration of Bob’s life will follow at Milestone Event Center in Norwalk. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or by calling 800-272-3900.
Robert V. "Bob" Dann
August 13, 2026
Robert V “Bob” Dann, 88, of Norwalk, Ohio, a devoted husband and father, grandfather, aviation pioneer, and lifelong traveler and adventurer, passed away on August 13, 2026, at Stein Hospice in Sandusky.
Born March 9, 1938, in Norwalk, Bob was the son of the late Eleanor (Stieber) and Vernon Dann. He grew up on East Washington Street, attended St. Paul High School, and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1955 to 1958. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, he trained as a jet-engine mechanic—experience that set the course for his life’s work. After completing his service, Bob returned home and married Donna J. Higgins of Norwalk on July 11, 1959.
Bob was recruited by Pan American World Airways to work at JFK Airport, and he and Donna moved to Long Island. They settled in the small South Shore hamlet of Bayport, New York, where they raised their children, Randy, Darla, and Scott. Bob’s technical skill and leadership led to positions of increasing responsibility, including his selection to manage Pan Am’s Bangkok line station from 1967 to 1971. There, he was responsible for Pan Am’s emerging round-the-world jet service and vital rest-and-recuperation flights for American service members during the Vietnam War. He remained with Pan Am until its closure in 1991. His career afforded the family rare opportunities to travel, experience other cultures, and develop a broad worldview. At home, Bob enjoyed boating, hunting, martial arts, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and fishing.
Donna preceded Bob in death on August 10, 1990. He later remarried and was also preceded in death by his second wife, Jermaine Rodrigues. Bob is survived by his three children, Randy Dann and Darla Melaniff, both of Norwalk, and Scott Dann and his wife, Kendall, of Salt Lake City, Utah; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brother, Vernon Dann of Cincinnati; and his sister, Ruthy Phillips of Norwalk, with whom he remained close throughout his life.
Bob lived a full life of adventure, inspiring his children and all who knew him. He was a hard worker, held a second position as an adjunct professor at the Academy of Aeronautics, and led by example. Above all, he remained a strong and steadfast provider for his family until the day he died. His ingenuity, courage, adventurous spirit, and devotion to those he loved will be deeply missed and gratefully remembered.
A graveside service with military honors will be held Friday, August 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, 200 Woodlawn Avenue, Norwalk.
A celebration of Bob’s life will follow at Milestone Event Center in Norwalk. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or by calling 800-272-3900.