Robert E. "Bob" PoppittAGE: 89 • Wilmington, DelawareRobert E. Poppitt, 89, passed away peacefully, on November 21, 2016 at Manor Care Foulk Road.Bob was a native Wilmingtonian, born on January 8, 1927. He was the son of the late Alfred and Louise (Alwell) Poppitt. He graduated from Wilmington High School and attended The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. It was shortly after High School that he joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country aboard the USS Missouri as a drummer in the Navy Band while the ship travelled to Gibraltar, Istanbul and other countries during the Mediterranean Goodwill Cruise. Upon his return, he married his high school love Mary Matassino in 1952. They were married for 51 years until her death in 2003.He involved his passions of music, the arts and travel throughout his lifetime. As a talented drummer, he played with Cozy Cole, Arturo Sandoval, John Bennett and Joe Laird. He was a season ticket holder at The duPont Playhouse, and attended the theatre in New York regularly. He enjoyed many cruises with his grandson Ryan, his regular travel companion. He recently took up Ballroom dancing and made many good friends in these dancing groups.Bob worked as a salesman until the age of 85. He started his sales career at Huber's Sporting Goods in Wilmington until their closing. He then took his accounts and talents to Al's Sporting Goods introducing a new segment of business, Educational Institutions. He was a familiar face in many of the local schools in the tri-state area until his retirement.Bob was a dedicated husband and father. He was a man of honor and a true gentleman. His four grandchildren were his life. He would have been a great-grandfather in February. He will be sadly missed by all that called him Bob, Bobby, Dad and Pop Pop!He is predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Louise, his beloved wife Mary Matassino: brothers, Anthony, Alfred, Edward, Julius and Richard; sister Louise Auchenbach. He is survived by his sweethearts: Vita Hendry (William) of Naples, FL, and Tina Miller (Robert) of Hockessin, DE, and Morgan Hendry III of Wilmington. Grandchildren Morgan Hendry IV, Robert Hendry, Ryan Miller and Casey Miller.The family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all who showed our dad love, kindness, care and support during his stay at Manor Care on Foulk Road. He became everyone's adopted grandfather over the years. Special thanks to Ruby, Abby, Anthony, Isaac, Sandu, Debbie, Rosemarie, Dorethea, and all of his Doctors.A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 30, 2016. Visitation will be held prior between 9:30 and 10:30 am at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 7 Sharpley Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. Interment services will be held privately.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Bob's name to: The Tatnall School-Music Department, 1501 Barley Mill Road, Wilmington, DE 19807 or Tower Hill School-Music Department, 2813 West 17th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806.For online condolences,please visitCHANDLER FUNERALHOMES & CREMATORY chandlerfuneralhome.com302.478.7100