Virginia Beach—Robert “Bob” Kirschner, 91, departed this life on Saturday, July 16, 2022 surrounded by his children, Michele Kirschner Gelernter and Barry Isidore Kirschner.
Upon graduating from high school, Bob took a special interest in the culinary arts, and in 1951 enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he completed the Navy’s culinary program. He then proceeded to serve his country all over the world as the Chief Commissaryman for several aircraft carriers and destroyers, overseeing all aspects of the ships’ dining programs. He performed his duties with great passion and pride, including menu and provision planning, food preparation, and cooking for thousands of hungry service men and women. Throughout Bob’s career, his cooking skills were so widely revered that many captains demanded that they ate “chow on Kirschner’s watch.”
After two decades serving his country, Bob was honorably discharged in 1971 in order to spend more time with his wife and his young children in Virginia Beach. Bob’s love and respect for the U.S. Navy never wavered over the remainder of his life, and he relished talking about his time in service with veterans and civilians, alike. After retiring, Bob had a successful career in sales and volunteered his culinary skills by cooking for Men’s Club breakfasts for Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk, and by feeding the homeless in shelters throughout the Norfolk area. Later in is life, his passion included spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, Kenzie (27) and Marc Gelernter (24), and Jack (22) and Rex Kirschner (18).
Bob’s pride and delight in his family shone bright whenever he was around them. His infectious smile and sunny disposition, in turn, made him a joy to be around to anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. He has been a guiding light for his children and a role model to his grandchildren. His loving nature and vivacious spirit made Bob a true blessing to his family and friends and we are all better for having known him.
A graveside service was conducted at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Contributions can be made in Bob’s memory to The American Heart Association. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.