Bob was a loyal husband, devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a military veteran, mentor and friend to many. He was born in Abington , MA on February 6, 1930 to Joseph A. and Linna L. (nee Meady).
Bob left home with his parents’ permission to join the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1947 and stayed with the U.S Air Force when the military branches split.
In July, 1950 he married the one true love of his life, Ruth Annette Hyland. They celebrated 64 years of marriage prior to Ruth’s passing in February of 2015. They were blessed with 5 children, 4 boys and 1 girl.
Bob’s postings during his 20 plus year military career took this devoted couple and a growing family around the world. First to Kessler Air Field in Mississippi (Bob Jr. born), then to Middleton- Stoney Air Field in England (David born), Selfridge Air Force Base in Michigan (Donald born), Wisebaden Air Force Base in Germany (Daniel born), and Maguire Air Force Base in New Jersey (Linda born).
Bob retired from the USAF a 7 stripe Master Sergeant and Vietnam vet. During his time in Vietnam he once landed on an aircraft carrier in a two seater jet. He received accommodation and was recommended for a Bronze star for his actions during a bombing of the base.
Leisure time was not an option for a young retired veteran with a young family. Bob put his food service training to use in supervisory positions around the Lansing, MI area, first at the Kellogg Center and then at Sparrow Hospital.
Bob and Ruth retired to Manistique, MI in 1990 until returning to lower Michigan to stay with their daughter Linda in 2014 due to Ruth having end stage Alzheimer’s.
Bob was an outgoing and generous person who preferred to quietly provide support in the background. He and Ruth were active members of St. Casimir Parish in Lansing were Bob served nearly 14 years as Treasurer of St. Vincent de Paul. One could often find him in the kitchen at church and other events, “slinging hash” or “flipping pancakes” as he would say.
Bob loved any and all sports, he bowled on several teams at a time and went to the ABC tournament every year as well as an avid golfer. He coached Little League baseball, football and hockey as well as played in his youth. When he was not able to play anymore you would often find him in front of the TV flipping between games and at times would have one of the great grandchildren on his lap with the same enrapt expression on their face.
His kindness and generosity were genuinely from the heart and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife Ruth, son David, parents and many siblings. He is survived by his children Robert Jr. (Amy), Donald (Martha), Daniel, Linda Pavwoski (Jerry), 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren and one on the way.
He will be missed.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday October 27, 2019 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Congregational United Church, 114 West Bellevue Street, Leslie, Michigan.
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