Robert John Gucwa

Soldier, Instructor, Plans Analyst, loving husband, father, and grandfather, Robert Gucwa passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at home. During his career, he dedicated his life to his country, performing nearly 39 years of service to our nation. He served 20 years in the United States Army and an additional 19 years as a Department of Army Civilian. Born and raised on Staten Island, N.Y. he left in 1984 to serve his country in the Army. Robert served and deployed during numerous conflicts in Central America, Bosnia, Southwest Asia to include Gulf War I - Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Robert's undergraduate education at SUNY Maritime led him to a career in the Army where he used his unlimited United States Coast Guard license to operate ships and LSVs while stationed at Fort Eustis as an enlisted Soldier and Warrant Officer. Robert sought a commission and was commissioned into the United States Army Transportation Corps. Robert retired as a captain at Fort Eustis, VA.

Robert's last military assignment was as the Head Instructor of the Transportation Officers Basic Course. He developed an aptitude for teaching Lieutenants in a manner ensuring all Soldiers learned all lessons.

Following Military Service, Robert was hired as a Plans Analyst continuing to teach classes as a Department of Army Civilian. A voracious reader, avid history/strategy—he developed classes on Chinese Strategy, Lessons for US vs China, China Engagement with the US, French and Indian War, North Korea/Japan/China vs the US, North American French and Indian 100 Years War, and Spanish Reconquista.

He completed Intermediate Level Education with the Army War College in Strategy and Policy Development in 2020 as a civilian. In addition, he completed a certificate in National Security Studies in 2023.

Robert's accomplishments were recognized throughout his careers as an officer and civilian supporting the Army's Transportation Division. Robert's military awards included: Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (four awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (two awards), NATO Medal, National Defense Service Medal (two awards), Armed Forces Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal w/3 Bronze Service Stars, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (two awards), Saudi Liberation Medal, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, Parachute Badge, and Air Assault Badge.

Upon retirement from Civilian Service, Robert was honored with the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal for "his leadership, dedication, and professionalism to the success of multiple Army-level initiatives including Army Campaign Plan, TRADOC Campaign Plan, establishment of the United States Army Cyber Center of Excellence, and revision of TRADOC governing document. His leadership provided lasting contributions to the nation". He shaped the future of the Army - in both how it trains recruits and defends the nation with new doctrine.

Robert is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia; mother-in-law, Gussie; and sister, Cheryl (Glen). Sadly, Robert's father John also passed away on August 22, 2024, in New Jersey, the same day as his son. Robert is survived by his wife of 40 years, Laura; son, John-Michael (Megan); and granddaughter, Madison; and sisters, Bonnie Vaccaro (Charlie, deceased), Sister Nancy Rose Gucwa OSB of Clyde, MO, Helen Gucwa, and Cynthia Ostrowski (Tom); brothers-in-law, James Martelle (Nancy), Joseph Martelle (Jeanine), and John Martelle (Donna); 8 nieces, 7 nephews, 4 great nieces and 3 great nephews.

Robert enjoyed planting vegetables in his garden where everything grew prolifically and gave away everything to whomever wanted them. He walked out of his house frequently to say, "who are you" to a total stranger who would be picking vegetables from the front beds, not knowing his wife allowed some to pick vegetables.

He enjoyed bragging about the accomplishments of his son John-Michael and training with him in Karate, where they beat each other mercilessly and laughed about it afterward. Robert enjoyed spending time with his wife gardening and preparing for the next home project to tackle.

Thank you to Dr. Angeliki Stamatouli, (VCU - Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism), Dr. Christina Prillaman (Virginia Oncology Associates) and Staff, Amedisys Hospice Care, Sentara Hospital Surgery and Radiology for the care and support they provided.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 lronbound Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188 at 11am on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Interment will be private.

Contributions in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 31970 State Highway P, Clyde, MO 64432 (BenedictineSisters.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.