Dr. Robert Francis Xavier Fuller

Dr. Robert Fuller, a retired Air Force CMSGT and human resources innovator died at Virginia Hospital Center on May 23rd from a particularly aggressive form of lung cancer. Bob, a loving husband and father and incredible advocate for Air Force families was 70.

Born in Boston in 1943, Bob carried with him a lifetime of South Boston pride, happy to share his memories of growing up as a” Southie”, loving all of Boston’s athletic teams, particularly the Boston Red Sox. Bob grew up Boston Strong before the phrase was spotlighted nationally in 2013.

When Bob enlisted in the Air Force and left Boston he soon discovered that military life was a welcome challenge and he thrived in a series of stateside and overseas assignments in personnel and social actions. His favorite overseas posting was in Athens, Greece where he met his future wife Rhea. As Bob reached the highest Air Force enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant, he served at Pacific Air Force (PACAF) Headquarters where he was instrumental in strengthening family programs by employing an innovative communication program called FAMNET to link all Pacific Family Support Centers to assure quality services at all locations. His Doctorate in Education was put to great use.

Upon his retirement Bob relocated to the Virginia area and offered services as a consultant on human resources and pre-internet communication opportunities. He got the attention of the Air Force’s official charity, the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS), which had an emergency assistance program but lacked a 911 response capability just as Society representatives were being relocated to new Family Support Centers worldwide. Thus began a two decade partnership with AFAS with “Dr. Bob” leading the effort to expand his FAMNET concept to every base by providing customized training and advanced technology. His passion for family support and his strategic approach to communications led to his formation of Human Resources Technology (HRT) in 1986, a company focused on information technology consulting. In addition to support of AFAS training and program initiatives, He developed a secure and flexible worldwide network which got rave reviews and resulted in government contracts to provide secure handling of sensitive personnel data..Bob’s leadership was marked by consistent performance and a focus on making resources available to military families worldwide.

Bob is survived by his wife Rhea, daughters Dawn and Wendy, his grandchildren Dylan and Danielle, sisters Joanne and Trish, and his beloved poodles Rudy and Riki. His son Robbie predeceased him.

Demaine Funeral Home in Springfield is handling arrangements for a visitation and memorial service. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, at a later date. The family requests that donations in Bob’s name be made to the Air Force Aid Society or Vietnam Veterans of America.