George Roscoe Robey Jr., decorated veteran
Captain George Roscoe Robey Jr., USN (Ret)., 83, passed away Monday, Jan. 27, 2014. At the time of his death, he was a resident of Bethany Beach.
George “Dick” Robey was born Nov. 25, 1930, and upon high school graduation attended the Bullis Prep School and entered the Navy’s class of 1954. Upon graduation with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering Dick was assigned to the USS Shea (DM-30) in Long Beach Calif.
He trained and qualified for his Dolphins at the U.S. Submarine School, New London, Conn., graduating in 1956. Dick served on the USS Cutlass (SS-478) and the USS Requin (SS-481) before being assigned (Gold Crew) aboard the Robert E. Lee (SSBN-610).
Dick’s vast experience and proficiency was acknowledged and he was assigned to OPNAV as the SSBN liaison officer to the chief of naval operations. He returned to the USS Requin (SS-481) as the executive officer. Upon completion of his executive officer tour, Dick was assigned as the commander of the USS Grenadier (SS-525).
Dick completed his senior staff officer requirement at the United States Army War College, Carlisle, Pa., where he distinguished himself as the class junior officer, the class treasure and solely responsible for the first War College class visit to the U.S. Submarine Base, a tour and submarine orientation cruise. Dick graduated and was assigned to the U. S. Submarine School as an instructor followed with assignments as the Joint Chiefs of Staff Communications Office Director and Deputy Inspector General for the United States Navy. He retired in 1978 and worked as a systems engineer for TRACOR INC. until 1988.
Dick and his wife of 59 years, Audrey, retired to Bethany Beach, where he pursued his passions for woodwork and finished carpentry; Harley Davidson motorcycles; competitive cycling and representing the State of Delaware in the Senior Olympics. Additionally, he served as a trustee on the United States Naval Academy Foundation Board, the Academy’s Alumni Association and a member of the President's Circle.
He is survived by his wife Audrey; sibling Maryann Myers of Texas; and children, Patrick and Jean Robey, Tampa Fla., Thomas and Karen Robey of Carlisle, Bridget and Pat Anderson of Reston, Va., Mary and Pete Ladd of Belair, Md., Marcy Robey of Carlisle, and George and Rebecca Robey of Camphill Pa.; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, Feb. 14, at 10 a.m., at the United States Naval Academy Chapel, Annapolis, Md. Interment will follow the services. There will also be a reception at the Academy Officers Club.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Dover Air Force Base Fisher House for Families of the Fallen, 116 Purple Heart Drive, Dover AFB, DE 19902.
