Signal Charley - CDR Robert Robertsn Jr. USN (Ret.)

CDR Robert L. “Bob” Roberts, Jr., USN (Ret.)

CDR Robert L. “Bob” Roberts, Jr., USN (Ret.)

ENS Roberts became a Naval Aviator on December 10, 1976 at HT-18, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida. ENS Roberts is Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator Number R-14096.

Born to Robert L. Roberts, Sr. and Frances Roberts-Barlow in Ironton, Ohio. A 1970 graduate of St. Joseph Catholic High School, Bob went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Ohio State University (OSU). Bob married his wife Jennifer Asch in September of 1974. As a boy, Bob always dreamed of flying, and upon graduation from OSU in 1975, he entered the U.S. Navy Aviation Officer Candidate Program earning his Navy wings of gold in 1976. He went on to complete 22 years, retiring as a Commander. As a pilot aboard aircraft carriers, he made several deployments and was able to see much of the world. Post Navy, Bob flew for American Eagle Airlines for 5 years, followed by 16 years with Northrop Grumman Corporation. Having flown everything from helicopters to sail planes, to fixed wing props and jets, he had a well rounded love of aviation.

Bob loved to talk, sharing stories, laughs, and experiences with family, friends, and acquaintances. He and Jennifer enjoyed river cruising and had planned on many trips in retirement but due to his illness that was not to be. Bob was very proud of the accomplishments of his son, Fletcher, and his daughter, Kaelyn. Bob is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jennifer, his children Fletcher (Nancy Cuevas) and Kaelyn (Sean Powers), his mother, Frances Roberts - Barlow, sister Kathi Motycka (Larry), sister Julie Payne (James), brother Brian Roberts Sr. (Dorothy), nephew Michael Motycka (Ann), niece Laura Hanley (Mark) and nephew Brian Roberts Jr. (Sara), as well as much loved grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Robert L. Roberts Sr., sister Melinda, and niece Allison Payne Rose. A funeral mass was celebrated at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, in San Diego, on June 4, 2024, with a private inurnment at Miramar National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held in Ironton at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to San Diego Food Bank or St. Jude’s Hospital for Children. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store. Originally Published by San Diego Union Tribune on May 26, 2024.