Robert James Robertson

Robert James Robertson, Retired LCDR USN, 97 of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, entered eternal life peacefully on July 1, 2021. Known to many as Robbie, he was born in 1923 to immigrant parents Robert A. Robertson (Scotland) and Bridget R. Hughes (Ireland) in Bayshore, New York, where he grew up with his younger brother William J. Robertson. He graduated from Bayshore High School in 1940. In 1941, when war seemed eminent, Robert enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served 27 years to his country. A WWII and Korean War veteran, he served on 8 ships and received 10 medals of honor. He retired in 1968, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Robert then continued his career as a Missile Engineer, working for General Dynamics, Pomona. He retired from his career at 55 years old in 1978. In 1945, Robert met the love of his life, Gloria E. Derosier, of Spencer, MA, on a blind date. They were married in 1946 and shared 74 wonderful years of marriage. From 1949 to 1959, Robert and Gloria, while moving many times due to Navy transfers, happily welcomed six children, born in three different States. Since 1980, Robert and Gloria have welcomed 10 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Robert was always dedicated to his Catholic faith, becoming a member of the Knights of Columbus in 1949 and serving 71 years of dedication, including the position of Grand Knight for the Ontario, CA Council 3672. Since 1972, Robert had been a resident of Rancho Cucamonga and a founding parishioner of the St Peter and St Paul Catholic Church. He served as a Mass Usher for 38 years and helped with many Church events. In his 42 years of retirement, Robert had the opportunity to golf, travel the world, relax and enjoy his family and community. Robert lived a long and fulfilling life dedicated to God, country and family. Robert is preceded in death by a brother, William J. Robertson, who passed at 59 and a son, James P. Robertson, who tragically died in an accident at 25 and a daughter, Carol A. Robertson, who passed at 67. Robert is survived by his wife of 74 years, Gloria E. Robertson of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, his sons, Raymond A. Robertson of Coos Bay, OR and Daniel W. Robertson of Hesperia, CA, his daughters, Margaret R. Robertson of Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Eileen R. Lindermann of Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

Funeral Mass is August 4th, at 10:30am at St Peter & St Paul Church in Rancho Cucamonga. Burial with Military Honors at 1:15pm at Riverside National Cemetery.