Robert T. “Bob” Ware  Lifelong Long Beach resident Bob (Robert T.) Ware passed away at the age of 88 on April 22, 2013. Born in Portland, Oregon on September 8, 1924, Mr. Ware, or Bobby as he was known to his friends and family, moved to Naples as a toddler and was part of the large Deeble family, which has deep roots in Long Beach. He attended Naples Elementary, Lowell (now Rogers) Junior High and Wilson High School, where he was student body president in 1942 and played football and baseball. A member of the University of California Berkeley Class of 1946, he earned a bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate. He played varsity baseball, was a Sigma Chi, and a member of the Big C Society. As an undergraduate, he joined the U.S. Navy. In all, he served nearly 35 years before retiring as a commander (USNR). Mr. Ware obtained a master’s degree and teaching credential and taught physical education at Stephens and Hamilton Junior High Schools before becoming a vice principal. He served in that capacity at Franklin, Washington and DeMille before moving to Wilson as assistant principal. Among his greatest passions were cheering on Bruin athletes and scholars and mentoring young people into non-traditional career paths and the military. He enjoyed celebrating their successes by hiring them as his plumbers, electricians and mechanics. After retiring, he renewed an interest in midget race cars that began as a child while watching his father who was a professional driver. Mr. Ware raced with the Western Racing Association. Mr. Ware was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 56 years, Barbara Livingstone Ware, and his sister, Margie Ruth Ware Pforsich of Santa Rosa. Mr. Ware is survived by his children, Kathy Day and her husband Bob of San Diego, Rick Ware of Corona del Mar, and Connie Ware of Santa Barbara; grandchildren, Audrey Bordeaux (Michael) and Lori Ware Halloran (Jim) and great-grandchildren, Max and Samantha Halloran; and his loving companion of 12 years, Beth Campbell. A celebration of his life will be held at Alamitos Bay Yacht Club on Saturday, May 11 from 1-5pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Bob Ware Memorial Scholarship at Woodrow Wilson High School. Checks should be made payable to Woodrow Wilson High School referencing the Bob Ware Memorial Scholarship Fund. Please sign the guest book at www.presstelegram.com/obituaries.

Source:  Long Beach Press-Telegram, April 28, 2013, on-line