John Robert Mansperger

John Robert Mansperger, 88, formerly of Euclid, OH died Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Brookdale of Mentor. He went by the name ‘Jack’ while in the service, and by Bob (J. Robert Mansperger) for most of his adult life. Bob (John) was born June 18, 1934, in Zanesville, OH, the first son of Dale Elliott and Edith Lynn (Pepper) Mansperger. He lost his mother to cancer in 1951 and assumed the role of housekeeper and caregiver/superintendent to his four younger siblings until his father married Bernice Smith. Bob graduated from Euclid High School as valedictorian in 1952. He enrolled at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and was commissioned as a ROTC officer in the United States Air Force. Bob received a B.S. in mechanical engineering. Bob married Patricia Ann McKibben on July 6, 1957 in Euclid, Ohio. After honeymooning in the Poconos, Pat accompanied Bob on his USAF deployment to Japan. He served as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer with the 483 Troop Carrier Group (1956–1960), at Chanute AFB, Illinois and Ashiya AB (Kyushu), Japan, obtaining the rank of Captain. Bob and Pat’s time in Japan was quite memorable and significantly influenced them throughout their lives. This year, Bob and Pat celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. After his USAF service, Bob was employed as a mechanical design and research engineer by Warner & Swasey Corp. (1956-1981), in Cleveland and Solon, Ohio. During this time, he earned a M.S. in mechanical engineering from the Case Institute of Technology (Cleveland, OH). He worked for Hardinge Bros., New York Transit Authority, and SPMI in engineering and QC management (1982-1989) in Elmira, Hornell, and Binghamton, NY. Bob was then a partner for Advanced Precision Systems, in Elmira, NY and Ashland, OH and worked as a Senior Tax Advisor and Branch Manager for H & R Block. Bob was a devoted member of the United Methodist church, and was involved musically in both the church and the community. He was a proficient musician, a substitute church pipe organist and always sang in the choir. He also played the tuba, baritone, cello, dulcimer (built by him), recorder, and piano. Bob was an avid reader/book collector with a great interest in history and U.S. & world wars. Family vacations around the U.S. usually included tent camping, sightseeing, sailing, and always a visit to a historical site or battlefield. Bob aka “Flash Mansperger”, photographed it all and would then recap trips and events with his infamous slide show presentations. He served as genealogist for the Mannsperger Families of America, Inc. and authored Descendants of the Mannspergs, 1287-2014. His love of history and faraway places was also evidenced in his extensive coin, stamp, and postcard collections. A man of many talents, Bob’s interests spanned from woodworking and home remodeling to gardening, canning his tomatoes and churning homemade ice cream. He especially loved sharing stories and teaching his grand kids how to play croquet. Survivors include his wife, Patricia (McKibben); sons, John (Cristina) and Joel (Jenny); grandchildren: Gregory, Josie (Brian) Mack, Peter, and Drake; brothers, David (Beth), and Clare (Claudia) and sister, Marilyn (Robert) Sachs. He was preceded in death by his brother, Duane; father, Dale; mother, Edith, and step mother, Bernice. He leaves a legacy of perseverance and service, and his intellect and insight will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Bob (John) wished to be cremated and will be interred at the national cemetery in Rittman, OH. A memorial service for Bob will be held on Friday, January 13th at noon at East Shore United Methodist Church, 23002 Lakeshore Blvd., Euclid, OH 44123. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or American Red Cross. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Mentor, Ohio. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

John Robert Mansperger

June 18, 1934 - November 26, 2022