Robert Frank Longbine, 90, of Vero Beach, passed away on Feb. 17, 2015.
He is survived by his daughters Linda (Larry ) Ownbey of Seneca, S.C., Laurie (Robert) Puccini of Savannah, Ga., Karen (Mac) Jordan of Johns Creek, Ga., and Ellen (Steve) Waugh of Easton, Conn.; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Geraldine H. Longbine in 2013, his parents, and three siblings, June Jackson, Kenneth Longbine and Ralph Longbine.
Longbine was born on Sept. 13, 1924, in Rochester, N.Y., to Edward and Loretta Longbine. He graduated from Irondequoit High School in 1942 where he was the President of the student body, a member of the National Honor Society, and captained numerous sports teams.
He went on to attend Syracuse University for one year on a football scholarship then transferred to and graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as part of a Navy training program. After graduation, he was commissioned and served in the US Navy during World War II. Later, he was recalled during the Korean Conflict where he served as a cryptographer in Washington, D.C.
His career was in the pulp and paper industry where he started as a paper production manager, then held various positions, which culminated in being named President, COO and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Champion International.
Longbine served on numerous corporate boards, community boards and advisory councils. After retirement in 1987, he and his wife, Jerry, settled at John’s Island in Vero Beach. He continued his love of golf (having played since he was 10-years-old) and riding his horses. In addition, he was an avid duplicate bridge player and an active member in the Vero Beach Bridge Center. He was also a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach.
He had a stellar career, but his real legacy was his genuine love of family and friends. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met because he took a sincere interest in all of them. He championed education and encouraged not only his progeny, but all youth to develop their talents. He was straightforward, kind, generous, had a wonderful sense of humor and could capture an audience recounting his life experiences – truly epitomized “the greatest generation.”
A Celebration of Longbine’s Life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2015 in the Sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach 520 Royal Palm Blvd, Vero Beach. Contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach 520 Royal Palm Blvd, Vero Beach, FL, 32960. Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements; www.coxgiffordseaawinds.com.