Robert J Mochrie

Robert James Mochrie Jr. LTC (Ret), age 80, of ST. Petersburg, FL, passed away after a short illness while under the care of C.W. “Bill” Young VA Medical Center’s Hospice and Palliative Care Unit on January 15, 2019. He was born on August 29, 1938, in Concord, New Hampshire, to Ethelyn Bell Freeman and Robert “Bob” Mochrie. He was a graduate of Concord High School. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Psychology, he joined the U.S. Army and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. On March 23, 1963, he married Joyce Bitler from Trenton, New Jersey. Together they enjoyed many years of military service home and abroad. To prepare for a civilian career, he received a Master’s of Business Administration degree from Monmouth College. Bob’s special interests, hobbies and membership included sailing; writing screen plays, music lyrics and poetry; learning to play the guitar; traveling and membership in American League Post 273, Madeira Beach. He particularly enjoyed his role as a tour guide when hosting out-of-town guests. Restlessness brought him closer to God, devoting his free time taking classes at Unity’s School for Religious Studies. He received a diploma to teach, counsel and serve the Unity movement in 1995.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce of 55 years; a son, Scott; granddaughters, Heather and Christina; sister, Meredith Stimpson (Phillip) and daughters, Cindy and Debbie; sisters-in-law, Joan Murcko-Miller (Jerry) and Beatrice Bitler Hamilton; brothers-in-law, Donald and David (Ethel) Bitler; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; and special friend Cathy MacLean, who provided Rob with great comfort.

In lieu of flowers, memory donations may be made to: Morning Star Catholic School of Pinellas Park, 4661 80th Ave. N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781 or Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association (www.floridahospices.org).

Mr. Mochrie will be laid to rest with full military honors at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St Petersburg, FL at a date and time to be announced.