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Robert Charles “Bob” Goessman, 86, of Manassas, passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at Prince William Hospital with family by his side.

He was born July 25, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York, where he graduated from Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute and Adelphi University with degrees in electrical engineering and physics.

While living in Brooklyn he met and married the love of his life Adrienne Wright in 1955. Bob enlisted in the United Stated Air Force in 1953. He was stationed in England until 1957 and was immensely proud of his military service. Subsequently, Bob was employed by Sperry-Grumman and eventually went to work for the International Business Machines corporation, which brought him and his family to Manassas in 1970. Bob worked for IBM for more than 30 years, retiring in 1991.

Bob and his family were members of All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas. Bob also lived in Warrenton, where he was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church. Bob was a lifelong train and model train enthusiast and world traveler. He enjoyed music, particularly The Four Freshmen, and attended many of their yearly conferences. He loved to read, especially Sherlock Holmes mysteries and historical novels. Bob was a volunteer with SERVE Inc., CASA and United Way. Bob loved his family and grandkids and was always present at their events. Bob had many friends and did his best to enjoy every day.

Bob was the son of the late Charles and Edna (Dondero) Goessman of Brooklyn, New York. He was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years.

Survivors include his four daughters, Caryn Wells (David) of New Canaan, Conn., Suzanne Mitchell (Curtis) of Gainesville, JoAnn Polen (David) of Manassas, and Laurie Crawford (Carl) Warrenton. Bob was affectionately known as “Pop” to his nine grandchildren: Morgan Bjerke (Ben), Kelsey Mitchell, Mark Polen, Melissa Polen, Shannon Mitchell, Rachel Crawford, Jason Crawford, Christopher Wells and Adrienne Wells, and a great-grandson, Jack Bjerke. He also leaves behind his cousin, Henry John Dondero of Glen Cove, N.Y.; his brother-in law, Edward Wright of Orient Point, N.Y., and 10 nieces and nephews.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private viewing and funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 23, from 11 to 11:30 a.m. for family and relatives at Pierce Funeral Home. For those who would like to attend the funeral virtually, please, go to Pierce Funeral Home and look for the link under Bob’s obituary. Interment, open to family and friends, will take place at noon at Stonewall Memory Gardens near Manassas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society or the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be offered at www.piercefh.com.

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