Robert W. Manheim; Civic Leader

A memorial service is planned today for Robert W. Manheim, who was active in many San Fernando Valley organizations.

A Valley resident for more than 40 years, Manheim died March 6 of cancer at his Northridge home, according to a family spokeswoman. He was 70.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Manheim served in World War II and the Korean War as a naval aviator. Following his retirement from the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant commander in the late 1950s, he was involved in local civic affairs.

Manheim had served as president of the Northridge Chamber of Commerce and was a board member of the West Valley YMCA, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, the Retired Officers Assn., the Japanese Gardens and the Assn. of Naval Aviators. An active Rotarian, he served as president of the Northridge club, held numerous district offices and was district governor in 1986-87. He also served on the 12th District Advisory Council of the Police and Fire Commission.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Paula Manheim of Northridge; sons Thomas Manheim of Del Mar and William Manheim of the San Francisco Bay Area; daughter Jaimie Sennett of Winnetka; sister Peggy Irwin of Studio City, and three grandchildren.

The memorial service will be at 4 p.m. today at the Congregational Church of Northridge, 9659 Balboa Blvd. Donations can be made in Manheim’s name to the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research, 11608 Chayote St., Suite 4, Los Angeles 90049.