The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. –Psalm 23
Robert Bruce Donegan, Jr., 60, of Chula Vista, CA, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, December 27, 2016. He was born on August 19, 1956 in Fort Eustis, Virginia to Robert Bruce Donegan Sr. and Myra Nell Robinson Donegan Wise.
Bob had many occupations in life, but his most notable, the one he had the most passion for, is a United States Navy Seal. Bob loved the Navy and he loved his country; and dedicated 20 years of his life to the service of this great country. He was a graduate of the United States Navy Seal Class #89, the class that coined the phrase, “The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday.” He lived his life by this motto.
During that time, he traveled the world and got to see things most people could only dream about. The stories he brought back with him are and remain cherished family treasures. As a BUD/S instructor, Bob had the opportunity to touch the lives of so many other service members who went on to become SEALs themselves and contribute to society in so many great ways as a result of Bob’s mentorship and training.
During his service, he earned his bachelor’s degree to become an officer. He furthered his education by earning three master’s degrees in business and became a Lifetime Certified Senior Professional in Human Resources. Following his retirement, he went on to work as an executive at several large Fortune 500 firms on the east and west coast.
Bob loved the outdoors; and could often be found practicing his martial arts, swimming, camping, and hiking. He also possessed the special ability to fix just about any broken car and get it running again; or anything else that was broken for that matter. Bob loved learning, and he loved a challenge. His entire life was spent teaching; and he taught his children and grandchildren the ropes of life through “tests”.
During his later years, he got to have an occupation reserved for only the most special of people; Grandfather (“Papa”). Bob touched the lives of his 13 grandchildren through the love he had for them and his overall love of life. His stories of world travel and intrigue, are sure to be some of their most cherished memories that will live on through the hourglass of time. Despite the extreme physical pain he felt, Bob would spend countless hours on the floor with the grandchildren showing them all of his countless treasures he had accumulated from his time traveling the world as a SEAL.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Myra Nell Wise and his brother Steven Donegan.
Bob is survived by his father, R.B. Donegan, Sr., Doris J. Donegan, two sisters, Lisa and Pam, wife Bonnie of 35 years, daughters, Marie, Brenda, Emily and Kirstine, sons, Robert (III), Curtis, Ben, and George, sons in law, Rafael Quijano and Arthur Fonseca, daughters in law, Erika Donegan and Katrina Donegan, 13 loving grandchildren, a fur grandbaby named Gizmo, his own fur babies, Lovey, Charlie, and Bingo and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend to all. He was a truly selfless man who loved and held his family very close. Bonnie is and remains the rock that kept Bob tethered to the shore; a love story carved eternally in the records of time. As many who knew him will attest, Bob was “THE example of a force of will.” He was a man of the highest moral integrity and principles. Bob was more than a hero; a legend, a man who never quit. He fought until the very end. He will never be forgotten nor will the legacy he leaves behind.
The Donegan family would like to extend a special thank you to Mark Croshier Sr., Mark Croshier Jr. and Rose Croshier to whom our father was always most grateful to for their kindness to our family.
A memorial will be held on January 10, 2017 at 4:30pm at Glenn Abbey Mortuary located at 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA, 91902.
Bob was a selfless guardian of his family and his greatest wish would be to find a cure for his youngest daughter, Kirstine. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the National MS Society in honor of Robert Donegan, Jr.
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