Dennis Henry Robert

Dennis Henry “Robbie” Robert
July 12, 1930 – February 19, 2017
Dennis Henry “Robbie” Robert passed away peacefully on February 19, 2017. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother Paul, and sister Helen.
He is survived by his loving wife MaryLou, his 3 children: Gary, Lisa, and Jane, and his brother Louis. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and many relatives, cousins, and friends.
Robbie was born July 12, 1930 in Grandview, Washington. The family lived and worked in Yakama Valley which is where he learned his incredible work ethic and family values.
From birth, his parents taught him his Catholicism and values. Robbie remained faithful his entire life. He taught CCD to high school students to pass on the faith of the church and he himself was dedicated to the rosary and daily communion. He loved his parish, St. Cyprian Church.
After graduating from Wapato High School, he left home to join the Navy. He spent four years at the Naval Air Station in San Diego and taught electronics for flight training. While on leave from the Navy, he met his future wife at a dance at the Elks Club in Los Angeles. His fate was sealed. Robbie & MaryLou were married as soon as he got out of the Navy. For the next 62 plus years he was a devoted family man.
Robbie worked in the aircraft industry and also pursued his bachelor’s degree in night school. He built a successful career in the Aircraft Industry where he spent his next 30 years – ending with the Shuttle Program. He played handball (no racket) as a hobby to stay active well into his 50’s. He was able to retire early enough to travel the world.
He traveled for 16 years in a truck and trailer. He visited friends and family as they traveled, hitting the occasional golf course. Later, the friends and family were in between the golf courses! He wanted to see the world by traveling to distant places. Seeing new things, places and meeting new people.
He was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, (no cure) in 2014 and his support group, One Breath, was a tremendous help, in coping with his illness. Complications of pneumonia ended his life.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to: One Breath Foundation, PO Box 59238, Norwalk CA, 90652.
A Rosary and Mass will be held at St. Cyprian Church, 4714 Clark Avenue, Long Beach California 90808, on March 11, 2017 at 11:30am. We will have a lunch and celebration of life following the service, in the church hall.
Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401