Robert Ernest Droppa Sr.

On December 4, 2023, Robert Ernest Droppa, Sr. of Gainesville, Virginia, went to be with his Lord. Bob was born on September 22, 1947, in Utica, New York, and was the only child of the late Rev. Ernest Droppa and Sarah Marion Droppa. During his rich and eventful life, Bob earned a B.A. in English from Gordon College and wanting to pursue his passion, graduated as a professional chef from the Culinary Institute of America. He taught high school English at Cairo Central High School, worked as executive chef for major hotels and country clubs, and taught in the Hospitality Departments of NOVA and Johnson and Wales University. Bob became a research Chef and international food service consultant, expanding his influence into other countries. Serving the Lord, he was a faithful and beloved Pastor and missionary, and he filled so many other roles that enriched the lives of all he met. Most meaningfully to him, Bob took every opportunity to travel the world to share the love of Christ, often living for months at a time in and out of the way places where he poured himself into attending to the needs of the people, as a witness to his faith. Both overseas and at home, Bob devoted himself to serving others, being a mentor, encourager, and counselor to countless people of all ages, and loving his neighbors and God. A mighty prayer warrior and man of faith until the end, Bob is survived by Kathleen, his loving wife of fifty years and the joy of his heart, six children, John (Trina) Droppa of Purcellville, Virginia, David (Melissa) Droppa of Albany, Oregon, Tyra (Shahan) Teberian of Nixa, Missouri, Robert (Kitwa) E. Droppa, II of Gainesville, Virginia, Bethany (Rory) Blumenschein of Bend, Oregon, and Marly (Ronald) Berry of Lenore, Idaho, eighteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Bob’s family mourns his absence from their lives but rejoice that he is present with the Lord: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Chapel Springs Church, 11500 New Life Way, Bristow, VA 20136. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in the name of Bob Droppa to Project Rescue, PO Box 922, Springfield, MO 65801. www.projectrescue.com/donate

Robert Ernest Droppa Sr.

September 22, 1947 - December 4, 2023