Robert Love

Robert “Grandpa” Love, 82, of St. Joseph, passed peacefully into eternity on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at his home. A Memorial Service will be held on Grandpa Love's birthday, May 17, 2010, at 2:30 PM at Sorter Elementary School, 1421 Pipestone Road, Benton Harbor. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2010, from 5-7 PM at Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Avenue, St. Joseph. Private burial will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home. Those wishing to sign the Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Robert was born May 17, 1927, to Robert O. and Evelyn Love, in LaPorte, Indiana. He served his country in the United States Navy from 1944-1946 and was an over-the-road truck driver for 40 years. Since May of 2003, Robert has served as a Foster Grandparent volunteer through the Area Agency on Aging. For most of his seven years with the program he served in Mrs. Raklovits classroom at Sorter Elementary School. Robert worked with students who needed academic, social and emotional encouragement, and he helped them to far surpass expectations. Above and beyond this support, he provided them with a consistent adult presence who loved them unconditionally. He leaves behind the love of his life and devoted companion, Devota John, and her daughter Diana; his ‘extended family' at Sorter Elementary School; and his family of fellow Volunteers and Staff in the Foster Grandparent Program. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters.