CAPT Robert J. Lamoureux USN (Ret.)

Robert (“Bob”) Joseph Lamoureux, distinguished Commanding Officer, Navy Fighter Pilot, Senior Naval Advisor, Midshipman, husband, father, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on the 24th of November 2023 at the age of ninety. Bob was born on May 3, 1933, to Albert Charles Lamoureux and Jeannette Roussel Lamoureux in Lowell, Massachusetts. He was the eldest of seven children.

Bob lived a rich and fulfilling life as an adoring and devoted husband, a loving and committed father, a proud grandfather, a treasured friend, an active volunteer, and a resolute Naval Officer. His brilliant mind, infectious charm, and quick wit were revered by all who knew him. He was a masterful storyteller, whose ability to unintentionally command a room was a true talent. He could spin tales of incredible breadth and depth, usually centered on others who were part of the story. Despite these and many other noteworthy attributes, many would agree that his most enviable characteristic was his humble and unassuming nature. He was a man of faith, honor, loyalty, and love. He was one of a kind.

Bob enlisted in the Navy in October of 1951 and subsequently received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in June of 1958. (USNA ’58 is Great!) He later earned a Master of Science in International Affairs from George Washington University.

In August of 1958, he reported to flight training in Pensacola Florida, and later to Beeville, Texas having been chosen to enter the student jet training program. In 1960, and for the ensuing 4 years, Bob distinguished himself as a Carrier based All-Weather Night Fighter pilot. This highly specialized distinction involves a no-visibility factor demanding the ultimate in precision on board ship and in the air. Bob flew in multiple fighter squadrons, including Fighter Plane (VF) 101, Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West, VF 161, USS Independence, Attack Aircraft Carrier (CVA) 59, NAS Cecil Field, Florida, USS Oriskany, CVA 34, and NAS Miramar, California, VF 21. In 1965, he reported to the USS Boston, a guided missile heavy cruiser, as a Command Information Center/Anti-Air Warfare Officer, Senior Air Controller and Public Affairs Officer. This was followed by his direct involvement with the construction of the USS Truxtun (DLG(N)35) the only nuclear-powered cruiser in her class. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Navigation Head for the Truxtun and was solely responsibility for the ships transit from New Jersey, around Cape Horn to its destination in Long Beach, California. In the later part of the 1960s, Bob became a student and an instructor at the U.S. Naval War College, Newport Rhode Island. His time in Newport continued as he became the Executive Officer (XO) of the USS William R. Rush (DD-714). During his time as XO, he deployed overseas (Sixth Fleet) and was honored with the Navy League Award for Inspirational Leadership. In 1972, Bob’s experience and leadership skills placed him in the position of Senior Naval Advisor for the U.S. Naval Advisory Group in NHA Trang Vietnam. In this capacity, Bob was responsible for his team’s efforts in the 11 Corps toward achieving the goals of the Vietnamization Program for Self-Sufficiency (VPSS). Bob was the Senior Advisor to Vietnamese Training Centers, the U.S. Naval Academy, Harbor Defense and Surveillance Units. His time in Vietnam and his contributions were lauded as a tremendous success as under his leadership the VPSS program mission, established in 1956, was declared mission accomplished and disestablished upon his departure.

After his tour in Vietnam, Bob returned to the U.S. Naval War College, as the Director for the Naval Planning and Applications Sub-study at the Naval Command College. In this capacity, he directed a select group of thirty-two international Senior Naval Officers on how to prepare themselves for high command responsibilities in their home countries.

Throughout the early years of his career, Bob’s intelligence, perseverance, and professional acumen distinguished him as a highly respected and trusted Naval Officer. His commitment to service elevated him to Commanding Officer (CO) of the USS Charles P. Cecil (DD/DDR- 835) a Gearing-Class destroyer. CO Lamoureux was well-liked and respected by the 19 Officers and 250 enlisted sailors who served under him. He invested himself in securing all aspects of the ship’s performance, including operations, safety, maintenance, and morale. As CO of the Cecil, he was awarded the 1974 Naval Reserve Association A. Winfield Chapin National Trophy for commanding the highest personnel retention of a surface combatant ship.

In 1959, Bob married Dorothy Ann Norton in Marlborough, Massachusetts and over the next 8 years was blessed with four children. As a naval family, they lived in Key West, Florida, San Diego, California, Marlborough, Massachusetts, Newport, and Portsmouth, Rhode Island, finally settling in the Washington DC area. After several years with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, completing 31 years of service with the U.S. Navy and 16 years with McDonnell Douglas Corporation, Bob and Dorothy retired to Williamsburg, Va.

Until Dorothy died in 2011, they enjoyed a full life of golfing, traveling, volunteering, and spending time with their six grandchildren. There were few things more important to Bob than family.

His love of family continued after Bob met and married Nelia Heide. Since 2014, Bob and Nelia have traveled the world together and lived life to its fullest. Bob often reflected on his amazing good fortune to have found such a deep love with Nelia at this point in his life. Bob and Nelia shared an abundance of joy, happiness, and companionship during their time together.

Bob is survived by Nelia, his loving wife of 9 years, and his children Bernard Lamoureux (Darlene), Teri Fallon (David), Anne Lamoureux (Brian Wiersema), and Robert Lamoureux. As well as his grandchildren; Bralen Lamoureux, Healy Fallon, MIDN 1/C Milo Fallon, Jackson Lamoureux Prettyman, Madeline Lamoureux, and Max Lamoureux.

A service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 104 Norge Lane, Williamsburg, Virginia to honor and celebrate his life. All are welcome to attend. Full Military Honors and Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Navy League of the United States (NavyLeague.org) in memory of Captain Robert J. Lamoureux, USN (Ret).