Bob was born February 2, 1925, in Corning, NY, to the late Eugene Thomas and Alice Reagan. His brother Joseph Duane Almon preceded him in death.
Bob graduated from the Corning Free Academy in 1943, where he met his beloved wife Kay of 73 years. They married on June 19, 1948. Their surviving children are:
Timothy Carr (Paula) of Columbia, Maryland, Terrance Michael (Carol) of Chester, Maryland, Eugene Thomas (Pama) of Chester, Maryland, Robert Emmett Jr. (Judi) of Waynesboro, VA, Mary Judith Funk (John) of Salisbury, Maryland, Michael Jude Almon of Arizona; along with 16 grandchildren; and 29 great grandchildren.
Bob’s life was defined and dedicated to his faith, family and public service.
In his children’s formative years, the Almon family celebrated Sunday Mass at St. Ursula’s Church in Parkville, Maryland. Bob served as a lector at St. Ursula’s and volunteered at Friday night bingo. Since settling in Salisbury, Bob and Kay were actively involved with their church, Saint Francis De Sales, where Bob served on the Endowment Committee. They were devout communicants who regularly attended Sunday mass until their age and disabilities prevented their participation.
Bob began college at St. Michael’s College in Toronto, Canada, and left to join the US Navy. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in May, 1946. Bob returned to college on the GI Bill and graduated from Saint Bonaventure University in Olean, New York.
J.Edgar Hoover appointed Robert as a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on April 9, 1951. He was then assigned to Pittsburgh. Bob was transferred to Baltimore in 1952, where he would spend the rest of his FBI career. He received numerous letters of commendation and incentive awards for his work on a variety of criminal matters in Baltimore. He served as a squad supervisor and training agent throughout his tenure. He retired in August, 1976.
Bob began the next phase of his law enforcement career in Salisbury, Maryland. He was the driving force in establishing the Law Enforcement Program at Wor-Wic Community College. This led to the establishment of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy. Approximately 500 law enforcement officers were trained during Bob’s tenure at the Academy. In 1993 Professors Emeritus Almon and Mike Gray established a scholarship fund to help recruit well qualified students into their program. Since its establishment donations have made it possible for the college to create an Almon-Gray Endowed Scholarship fund.
Former Chief Dykes of the Salisbury Police Department asked Bob in 1988 to assist the department in becoming an accredited department. Bob continued to assist the Department with the ongoing process until April, 2011.
Bob and Kay’s children and their families will be ever thankful for the tradition of Thanksgiving reunions that continue to this day. Bob and Kay began hosting the family for Thanksgiving dinner at their home until 1988.
The holiday venue moved to the Dunes Manor Hotel in Ocean City (to accommodate an ever-growing family). For over thirty years Bob and Kay generously hosted the family’s entire stay. Bob and Kay had only two requirements; to be present for Thanksgiving dinner and attend mass as a family on Saturday night.
They always had a suite at the hotel which morphed into a command center and fun central. The floor of the suite was often littered with countless grandchildren and their crawling babies and toys. Kay and Bob were absolutely delighted to be engaged in the mayhem.
The family has pledged to renew the Thanksgiving tradition in 2021 after the 2020 COVID pandemic.
Bob will be remembered by his family and the entire Salisbury community for his faith and service to the community.
Funeral services will be private, due to COVID restrictions. Services will be livestreaming for non-family members Friday, January 15, 2021 at 11am at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcjjBUHw-cPIZHwWLCmJvDw
Donations may be made to the Almon - Gray Fund at WorWic Community College. You may donate online via the WOR Wic website at WorWic.edu Click on the site and select the donate button, proceed with prompts. Please mention the Almon Gray Fund.
Family and friends will celebrate Bob’s life when it is safe for us to gather.
