Robert Menhart
Lexington, S.C. — Robert John “Bob” Menhart, 86, a Korean War veteran, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, surrounded by his family. His beloved wife of 66 years, best friend and childhood sweetheart, Joan Rita Menhart, preceded him in passing just 20 days prior.
Bob resided in Lexington for the past 14 years and previously lived in Mystic for 30 years and 16 years in Florissant, Mo. Born in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late Bertram and Mary Menhart of Bridgeport.
He is survived by son, Joseph (Donna) Menhart of Hartford; son, Michael (Karen) Menhart of Charlotte, N.C.; daughter, Susan (Kevin) Menhart-Clark of Stonington; son, David (Jill) Menhart of Lexington, S.C.; son, Paul (Bitsy) Menhart of Richmond Hill, Ga.; and daughter, Nancy Menhart of Uncasville. Bob was predeceased by his firstborn daughter, Marianne; his sister, Irene Menhart Petreycik of Bridgeport; and his nephew, Donald Petreycik of Bridgeport. He was blessed with 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Theresa (Menhart) Truesdell, Rachel Menhart, Marie Menhart, Ethan Menhart, Andreea Menhart, Lauren Clark, Alison Menhart, Jamie Menhart, Michael Menhart, Robert Johnson Jr., Brandon Johnson, Brian Johnson, Bradley Johnson; and one great-grandchild, Aubrie Johnson. He is also survived by his brotherin-law, Michael Petreycik of Bridgeport; niece, Kathryn Scott of Ridgefield, niece, Jane Petreycik of Bridgeport, and nephew, Richard Petreycik of Bridgeport.
Bob retired from General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton after 23 years of service as a marine draftsman and previously worked for many years at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Mo.
Above all else, Bob was a devout Catholic, raising his family according to traditional Catholic values. He was very active in the pro-life movement and was a vigilant defender of the unborn. He often prayed outside abortion mills (rain or shine), worked on many fundraising campaigns to support women and children in difficult pregnancies, and no one really knows how many babies’ lives he saved. Bob was a lay carmelite of the third order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and as a member he pledged devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was very active in many Roman Catholic parishes throughout his life in Missouri, Connecticut and South Carolina, most recently at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, as an extraordinary minister of the Holy eucharistic, lector and altar server for funeral Masses. Bob was an avid gardener and everyone loved watching his garden grow. He widely shared the fruits (and vegetables and flowers) of his labor. He loved animals, and always had a dog and a cat at his side, sometimes two of each. He loved watching westerns, tackling crossword puzzles, listening to country music and eating lobster. Members of his family have all received hand-crafted, model wooden ships which he painstakingly brought to life.
Bob was an ardent fan of the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team, the Green Bay Packers and the New York Yankees and raised sports-minded children who all excelled in their chosen sports.
The Menhart family would like to thank the staff, nurses and doctors on the 5th and 6th floors of Lexington Medical Center and the staff of Lexington Extended Care for their loving care.
A Mass of Christian burial with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 2, 2018, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2350 Augusta Highway, Lexington, S.C., followed by a reception at the parish hall.
Caughman-Harman Funeral Home is coordinating the arrangements located at 503 North Lake Drive in Lexington, SC 29072.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Birthright of Columbia, S.C., www.birthrightofcolumbia.org.
There will be a Mass held for Bob and Joan Menhart at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 8, 2018, at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Road, Groton, followed by a reception in the parish hall.
www.caughmanharmanfuneralhome.net