Robert “Bob” Halstead DeFord Jr., whose influence helped shape the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach Vision and the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, died Oct. 29 at 89 years old.
Described by many as a Southern gentleman, DeFord’s career began as a dairy farmer in the Bayside area of Virginia Beach and transformed into real estate development, auto dealership ownership and banking.
He developed a love of farming from his father and a love of education from his mother. DeFord, who switched careers at 40 years old as the city of Virginia Beach transformed and grew, maintained his deep-set commitment to the community throughout his life.
“He was a great guy and really low profile. He just wanted to do his thing and help out where he could,” said his son, Bobby DeFord III. “He was passionate about whatever he did and gave it 100%. He made a difference.”
A graduate of Maury High School, DeFord attended Virginia Tech but came back east to help his father, Robert Halstead DeFord Sr., on the family’s farm. He became a leader in the Virginia Farm Bureau, the Southern States Coop and the Dairy Council of Virginia and was named Virginia Farmer of the Year in 1969.
In 1972, they stopped the dairy operation and sold the cows off. That same year, DeFord and his father formed DeFord Ltd., a Virginia Beach development and investment company.
When Princess Anne County merged with the city of Virginia Beach in 1963, DeFord was on board for the change. He even served as the fifth King Neptune in 1978.
Nancy Creech, president of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, knew DeFord since the early days of the festival.
“He was a gentleman to the core, very much admired and respected by other people,” she said.
DeFord always had good ideas, Creech said.
“He was always thinking forward about how the city should grow, how we should do things and how we should engage the community,” Creech said.
Dr. Clancy Holland, former Virginia Beach mayor, city councilman and state senator, said he shared a common interest in the community and other issues with his longtime friend and weekly lunch pal.
“He was one fantastic citizen in Virginia Beach, that’s for sure,” Holland said.
A staunch believer in the importance of public education, DeFord served on the Virginia Beach School Board for 16 years, including nine years as its chairman. He served on the Virginia Board of Education for eight years, including two as its chairman, and was a former president of the National Federation of Urban and Suburban School Districts.
He also became highly involved with Virginia Wesleyan University (chartered in 1961 as Virginia Wesleyan College) in 1972 and joined its board of trustees in 1977.
VWU President Scott Miller said DeFord’s legacy spanned 50 years of direct involvement.
“He was a kind, caring Southern gentleman who was highly analytical yet respectful in his deliberations,” Miller said.
DeFord served as the chair of the buildings and grounds committee as the university grew. In 2006, he and his wife, Nancy DeFord, made a $1.5 million gift to establish a scholarship to provide merit and need-based assistance for students. They also created the DeFord Gatehouse and DeFord Hall in the Honors Village.
A private on-campus residence for the president of the university was built in 2021 and named DeFord Manor. Miller currently resides in the 14-room, five bath home with a portrait of the DeFords displayed in its foyer.
DeFord remained supportive as a trustee emeritus up until his death.
“He was influential in the growth of VWU, and we will miss the wisdom he brought to decisions affecting the future of the university,” he said.
Nancy DeFord, a former principal of Princess Anne High School, worked alongside her husband as vice president of the company and was also on VWU’s board of trustees.
For the past 30 years, the couple enjoyed traveling and living in their homes in Park City, Utah; Grand Cayman; and Virginia Beach. In addition to his wife and son, DeFord is survived by two daughters, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com
