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Robert Chin, CIA retiree

September 24, 2020

 Robert Chin, 94, of Rockville, Md., died peacefully on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020.  He was born in Washington, D.C., and was a graduate of George Washington Law School and the National War College. 

Bob was a B-17 Flying Fortress tail gunner, U.S. Army Air Corps sergeant, a senior CIA officer serving the United States for 27 years, and legislative counsel for the CIA until his retirement in 1978.  After leaving the agency, he practiced law at Rogovin, Huge, and Lenzner in Washington, D.C.  His most notable cases were the Three Mile Island nuclear meltdown investigation and the Alaska pipeline contractual dispute.  After retiring from private practice, he did pro bono work for the needy in the Washington, D.C. area. 

He later retired in Delaware, where he found great satisfaction and purpose, volunteering at the AARP (chair of its Legislative and Environmental Committee) and SALT (Seniors and Lawmen Together) organizations.  He was instrumental in furthering programs to improve the quality of life for the elderly.  He was also a founding member of the Inland Bays Foundation, an advocacy organization to restore neglected and polluted waters.  As a founding member of the Friends of Holts Landing State Park, he was instrumental in making park improvements.  He was a devoted member of the Millville United Methodist Church and was honored for his many contributions to the church.

Bob was a great scholar, and was known for his love of books. He was very generous to those in need and volunteered whenever he could. But his proudest accomplishment was his family.  He was a devoted husband to Helen for 69 years.  His three children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild have enjoyed an abundance of love and blessings from their “pop.”

Bob will be remembered for his kindness, humility, generosity, faith, and love for all who have met him.  He leaves a treasured and respected legacy of countless contributions to country, church, community and family.  He will be greatly missed and cherished.

Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen. Bob will be sadly missed by his children, Vicki Hart (Tom), Robert Chin Jr. (Barb), Wendy Rochelle (Paul); his grandchildren, Kimberly Ferguson (Zach), Lauren Hart (Taylor Lawch), Michael Hart, Robert Chin, Sarah Chin, Kelsey Hartmann (Dave), Kendall Rochelle; and great-granddaughter, Kenley Ferguson.

A celebration of his life will be offered at a later date with interment at Arlington National Cemetery.  

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