Robert Ira Price

September 22, 1921 – October 20, 2019

Born and raised in New York City, VADM Price received a business degree from City College of New York before enrolling at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, graduating in 1945. After several tours of duty on a polar icebreaker (including Adm. Richard Byrd’s first Antarctic expedition of 1946-47), he received a postgraduate professional degree of Naval Engineer from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His 36-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard eventually focused on international marine safety and anti-pollution standards, contributions that earned him two Meritorious Service Medals and two Legions of Merit. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects of London in 1972 and a Fellow of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers in 1980. He was also a member of the Society of the Sigma Xi and the American Bureau of Shipping.

VADM Price served as Commander, Atlantic Area and Third Coast Guard District prior to his retirement in 1981, then was appointed senior vice president of a leading naval architectural firm. He subsequently spent 20 years as an independent marine safety consultant for cruise lines, traveling around the globe to inspect ships under construction as well as those subject to annual safety inspections.

He met the love of his life, Virginia Louise Miller, while decommissioning post-World War II ships in Green Cove Springs, Florida, and they married in June 1946. Together they set up households at duty assignments from East Coast to West Coast and back, raising two daughters, and sharing a passion for travel, dancing, and cutthroat bridge. Bob and Virginia moved from New Jersey to the Indian River Colony Club in Melbourne, Florida, in 2003.

His dear Virginia passed away on March 3, 2016, just months short of their 70th anniversary. He is survived by his daughters, Andrea Price Stevens (Garrett) and Keven Price Chriss, four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly. He imparted in all of them the value of limitless horizons, boundless adventure, and devotion to family.

He will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

Donations in his honor may be sent to: Coast Guard Foundation, 394 Taugwonk Road, Stonington, CT 06378.