CDR Robert 'Brian' Van Metre USN, Retired

Brian was born on December 10, 1939 in Hong Kong, China to the late Madeleine McCormick and RADM T. J. Van Metre. He traveled the world as a child following his father’s naval career and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1961. While at the Naval Academy, he continued running cross country and track. He went on to have an impressive career as a submariner in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. He finished his career as the Commanding Officer of the USS JOHN ADAMS, SSBN-620 (G), a nuclear submarine. After retiring from the Navy, the family moved to NC where Brian took a management position in the start-up of the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant. Throughout his life, he enjoyed golf, all that lake life has to offer and cheering on his adopted North Carolina State University Wolfpack. He volunteered with the Jimmy V Celebrity golf classic, volunteered his time in the court system as a guardian ad litem for children and was active in the Cary Rotary club for years. He loved spending time with his family at any and all sporting events, his dogs and at the lake.

Surviving are his wife, Kathleen Doherty Van Metre, sons, Michael, Chris (Rose), Kevin (Kim), and daughter, Michelle Pittelli (Chris), seven grandchildren, one great grandchild, several granddogs and great granddogs.

After traveling the country in his motor home with his beloved dog, Bandit, Brian needed to return to the Cary/Apex area to receive the support of family and assisted living facilities in his final stages of dementia. The family would like to thank the care team at UNC Palliative Services and the Hospice unit at the VA Hospital in Durham for their kindness and support in his final weeks/days.

A prayer service for Brian will be held Monday, March 28, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W Williams St, Apex, NC 27502, followed by a visitation and reception.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be donated to the V Foundation, Victory over Cancer, an organization that formerly raised funds through the Jimmy V Golf classic.

Fond memories and expressions of condolences can be shared online at apexfuneral.net for the Van Metre family.