Robert James Giannaris

Carmel Valley - Robert (Bob) J. Giannaris, PhD, 85, a retired Lieutenant Commander Navy veteran, passed away on February 9, 2025. A memorial service will be celebrated at El Camino Memorial – Encinitas on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 10:30am. Following the memorial, Robert will receive military honors at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego. All are welcome to attend, please arrive by 2pm.

Dr. Giannaris was born August 11, 1939, in Lansing, Michigan, son of Stephen Giannaris and Dora (Haight) Deford. He married Jean E. (Weeden) Giannaris in Saginaw, Michigan, on May 2, 1959.

Joining the Navy on July 30, 1959, Dr. Giannaris served for 21 years and 6 months before retiring on January 31, 1981. During his military service, he held various sea and shore billets until 1965, when he was selected to attend Purdue University under the Naval Scientific Education Program. After graduating and being commissioned as an ensign in June 1965, he continued his post-graduate studies at Purdue, earning his master's and doctorate in Mechanical Engineering in February 1972. He then served as a Boiler Officer on board the USS Constellation (CV 64). In May 1974, he reported as the Electro-Optics Systems Programs Officer at the Naval Ocean System Center. In June 1978, he reported to the U.S. Pacific Fleet Headquarters as the Advanced Planning and Ship Alterations Officer. He was consistently evaluated as a strong leader who easily motivated others and possessed the courage to make difficult decisions. Indeed, an outstanding commissioned officer.

After retiring from the Navy, Dr. Giannaris worked as a Senior Engineer at Q.E.D Systems, Inc. and as Vice President and Chief Technical Officer at Titan Corporation.

Dr. Giannaris is remembered for his love of family, golf, dancing, reading, storytelling, tennis, running marathons and playful teasing as well as his bear hugs. He is survived by his two sons, Robert (Sandra) Giannaris Jr. of San Diego and Stephen Giannaris of Mississippi; four daughters, Penny (Randy) Peyton-Smith of Poway; Julie (Abdul) Shabankareh of Texas; Barbara (David) Nobles of San Diego; and Jenny (Peter) Zepeda of Lakeside; two brothers, Fredrick (Susan) Giannaris of Florida and Thomas (Jean) Giannaris of Michigan; and one sister-in-law, Jacquelyn Husted of Michigan; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren with one more on the way.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project.