John Tobe was born in Newport News, VA on September 29, 1946 to the late Jule and Wrilmerteen Tobe.  John, the youngest of their five children, was a spirted child and earned the nickname, Manny.  He grew up in Newsome Park, a community where he forged lifelong friendships that he always held dear.  John was personable, well dressed, and popular.  He was elected president of his graduating class.  John was a smooth dancer.  He had natural rhythm that carried over into any activity that he did, including golfing.  John's good golfing skills can be traced to the many days that he skipped classes to earn extra money working as a caddy at the James River Country Club for the very important purpose of buying clothes to enhance his wardrobe.  After graduating from Carver High School in 1964 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served a tour of duty in Vietnam.

After returning home and working in the US Postal Service, John relocated to Washington, DC.  He earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Finance from the University of the District of Columbia.  John made good use of his financial acumen in his professional career, primarily focusing on preserving affordable housing.  He worked in various positions including: Loan Officer in a DC Savings and Loan; Director of a nonprofit housing agency, and Program Services Officer at Neighborhood Reinvestment, an organization backed by the Federal Reserve.  In that capacity, he traveled to cities throughout the United States and collaborated with banks, city officials and nonprofit housing agencies to prevent housing displacement.  John rounded out his career as a mortgage broker with Mortgage America Bankers and other financial institutions.  John became a Mason while living in Newport News and more recently was active in the Knights of Templar Grand Lodge in DC.

John was a cool brother, forever dapper in his hats and trademark shiny cowboy boots, with a walk that was uniquely his own.  It was in DC that John met Brenda Hobday Riley.  They married in 1979 and created a family, as they both had a nine-year-old from previous marriages.  He had a daughter, Nequel and Brenda had a son, Rashad.  John loved his smart and talented daughter and he was a father to Rashad and was proud of his son and the man that he grew to be.  John and Brenda's union was bonded by an everlasting love for each other that brought joy to their lives and to those who associated with them.  They earned the name, jetsetters, because they so frequently went on vacations to the Caribbean islands and throughout the US and invited friends and family to join them.

John liked people and they liked him.  He attracted new friends in all walks of life and enjoyed socializing with them.  He was famous for his Friday Happy Hours and his grilled ribs and steamed crabs.  He was always cooking on the grill and neighbors would comment about the tantalizing aromas that scented up the neighborhood.  John loved to share and would do so with neighbors, their children and with the many friends who freely stopped by.  Often when the children next door smelled fried chicken, they would knock on the door and say "Mr. JT, can we have some chicken?"  John would tell guests," Eat all you want, because we're going to talk about you anyway".  John Tobe was a laid-back, affable and generous person who we will cherish having known and being a part of his life.

John is predeceased by his parents Jule and Wrilmerteen Tobe; sister, Jean Carney and brother, Horace Tobe.  He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Brenda Hobday Tobe of Washington, DC, daughter, Nequel Wharry of Hampton, VA; son, Rashad Muhammad and granddaughter, Brittany Wharry of Washington, DC; sisters, Marie Dixon (Johnny) and Willnette Bailey of Hampton, VA, nieces, nephews and numerous relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.