Robert was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division serving under Lt James (Maggie) Magelles in the 504 Paratrooper Infantry Regiment, H company fighting at the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes from December 1944 to January 1945 earning him the Purple Heart. He continued as part of the occupation of Berlin. Upon returning home, he marched in the New York victory parade and was Honorably discharged January 1946. He worked for Oldsmobile Division of GM in Engine Design as Sr. checker for 25 years. He retired in 1985.
He was predeceased by an infant son, James (Jimmy); his beautiful wife of nearly 50 years, Joyce M. (Golnek) DeVinney; his sister, Pauline Graham; and younger brother, Milton. Surviving is his son, Bob and daughter, Jill (Walker); three grandsons; Eric, Daniel, and Brandon; and one granddaughter, Mary Beth. He had 7 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
His family welcomes visitors at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Lansing Chapel on Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM, 900 E Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912. Funeral service will be held on January 3rd at 1:00 PM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 E Saginaw Hwy., Lansing, MI 48933. He will be laid to rest with full Military Honors by the 82nd Airborne at Deepdale Memorial Gardens, 4108 Old Lansing Rd., Lansing, MI 48917.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert's memory may be made to the World War II Memorial, 1717 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20006.
