Robert Vanore

Robert Anthony Vanore, 75, of Albemarle, passed away alone in the COVID unit on December 5, 2020 at Northeast Medical Center in Concord North Carolina surrounded by family via FaceTime.

He was born on July 3, 1945 to Dr. Andrew Albert Vanore and Elvira Pugliese Vanore in Pinehurst, North Carolina. He grew up in Robbins, North Carolina.  While attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he was a proud Delta Upsilon. After his graduation in 1967, Robert joined the US Navy and fought in the Vietnam War on the USS Catskill. Upon his return from the war, he married his wife, Marcia Windchester Edwards.  Besides his career as an accountant, Robert also served in many other roles.  He faithfully helped his wife build a successful swim program at Pfeiffer University, he was the favorite feared substitute teacher of Stanly County Schools, he was part of “Napkin Head Gang” on Lake Tillery, and he served as a father figure to many of his daughter’s close friends throughout their childhood. Robert was definitely larger than life, and everyone knew when he entered the room.  Most feared him at first, but then instantly grew to love him.  He was known as “Big Papa” to his three grandchildren whom he claimed were proof that “good genes” skipped a generation.

Robert is survived by his loving spouse of nearly 48 years Marcia E. Vanore, three daughters, Marcelle Vanore of Concord, NC, Candice Vanore of Albemarle, NC and Angela Vanore of Pittsboro, NC; two brothers, Andrew A.Vanore, Jr. of Raleigh, NC, Richard L Vanore of Greensboro, NC; two grandsons, Robert Anthony Maupin, Luca James Fishbein; granddaughter, Ann Margaret Maupin; and Son-In Law, Nick Fishbein.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Andrew A.Vanore and mother Elvira P. Vanore, mother-in-law, Ann Pegram Edwards, and father-in-law, Everette M. Edwards, Jr..

The family will be accepting friends on Friday, December 18, 2020 in a drive thru visitation from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle.

Private Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Apex Cemetery in Apex, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please submit donations to the Disabled American Veterans charity, www.dav.org

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Vanore family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com