Robert's early years were spent in Vincennes, Indiana. The family then moved to Fort Wayne where he graduated in 1949 from Central Catholic High School. He then attended International Business College prior to enlisting in the U. S. Navy in 1951 during the Korean War. He served aboard the U.S.S. Naifeh (DE-352) for 28 months, during which time they made three deployments to the Korean Theater of Operation. He then served aboard the U.S.S. Manchester (CL-83). He was discharged in May 1955 having attained the ranking of Personnelman 1st Class. He then attended Indiana University and graduated from the IU School of Optometry in 1960. He practiced Optometry in Fort Wayne for 40 years.
Robert was a member of Elks Lodge #1417 in Columbia City, American Legion Post #82, Korean War Veterans Association, Destroyer Escort Association, Northeast Optometric Society (President), Indiana Optometric Association (Trustee) and the American Optometric Association. He was the first chairman of the Hamilton Lake Conservancy District and an officer of the IU Alumni Association. Robert and his wife, Phyllis, participated in a humanitarian vision mission to Honduras. They also donated land to Acres Land Trust, Inc., to create the Robb Hidden Canyon Nature Preserve in Steuben County, Indiana. Bob also enjoyed playing golf and bridge.
In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his brothers, John and Father Paul, SJ. He married Phyllis Musgrave in 1965 and she survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Shawna (Raymund) Niblick; and son, Brian Robb; grandchildren, Mandi, Randi, Candice, Leila, Max and Robb; several great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.
A Mass of Christian Burial to honor Robert's life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 East Wallen Road, Fort Wayne, with visitation one hour prior. Father Polycarp Fernando will be officiating. Additionally, a visitation for Robert will be held on Monday, September 12, 2022, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm, at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, with a prayer service to begin at 3:30 PM.
Memorial donations in his honor may be directed to Matthew 25 Health & Care or Acres Land Trust, Inc. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Robert's family may be shared at www.McCombandSons.com.
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Matthew 25 Health & Care
Acres Land Trust, Inc.
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