Robert M. Hinckley, III

Robert Messinger Hinckley III, 82, of Melbourne Beach, Florida, passed away on April 27, 2025. Born on July 14, 1942, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Robert M. Hinckley II and Bernice "Niecy" Hinckley, he lived a life marked by service to his country and dedication to environmental conservation.

Bob graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1964, continuing a proud family tradition that included both his father and grandfather before him. On graduation day, he married his beloved wife, Carole Lind, whom he had known since they were teenagers—meeting when he was 14 and she was 13. Both children of military families, they shared the unique experience of moving frequently during their childhoods, a bond that deepened their connection from the start. Their profound love story would span nearly four decades, a bond that began in youth and only grew deeper with each passing year until her passing in 2003. Bob loved Carole so dearly that even after her death, his devotion to her remained unwavering.

He served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, with assignments at the Naval Military Control Reserve Training Center (NMCRTC) in Phoenix, Arizona, and the Naval Air Reserve Training Unit in Jacksonville, Florida. His distinguished military career included service with Attack Squadron 172 flying the A4C Skyhawk, the 4515/4517th CCTS at Luke AFB piloting F-100C/D/F Super Sabres, and VA-203 NAS Jacksonville flying A4E/F/L Skyhawks. As a fighter pilot in the Vietnam War, he completed an extraordinary 250 carrier landings, many conducted under the cover of darkness, demonstrating exceptional skill and courage in service to his country.

Following his military service, Bob enjoyed a successful career as a pilot with Eastern Airlines from 1970 to 1989, where his assignments took him to major hubs including Miami, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Tampa, and Orlando. For Bob, flying wasn't just a profession—it was the ultimate expression of freedom, and he often spoke of the joy and liberation he felt in the skies. He later established and operated his own commercial real estate brokerage in Melbourne, Florida, from the early 1990s to 2008, where he found another way to serve his community.

His passion for environmental conservation became his defining mission in civilian life. This deep connection to nature had taken root decades earlier in Virginia during the 1970s, where his skill as a gardener was so remarkable that his family practically lived off the fruits and vegetables he grew. As a founding member of the Beach Woods Environmental Club and a dedicated member of the Marine Resources Council, Bob worked tirelessly to protect Florida's precious coastal ecosystems. Drawing on his expertise as a real estate broker, he played a pivotal role in land acquisition for the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, helping secure a 900-acre sanctuary that remains crucial to the protection of loggerhead and green sea turtles. His commitment to conservation extended to the Indian River Lagoon, where he led significant efforts to maintain live oyster beds that naturally filter and clean the water, helping to preserve this vital waterway for future generations.

A man of deep and unwavering faith, Bob was a devoted member of Melbourne Beach Community Chapel, where he found joy in serving God and others. His dedication to sharing his faith was evident in everything he did—from recording services and special events, to managing the website that helped spread God's message to a wider audience. He ensured that homebound members could remain connected to their church family through online services, understanding that everyone deserves access to worship. Bob lived his faith daily, sharing God's love through his actions and words, and inspiring others in their spiritual journey. His genuine relationship with God shaped how he treated everyone he met and influenced every aspect of his life.

Bob's love for the ocean never waned—from his early days as a surfer in Hawaii, where he would surf from sunrise to sunset, to later years enjoying paddle boarding, kayaking, and water aerobics. In his 70s, showcasing both his adventurous spirit and remarkable physical fitness, he paddle boarded the entire length of the Indian River Lagoon—the same 156-mile-long estuary he worked tirelessly to protect through his conservation efforts. Known in the community as "Paddleboard Bob," he taught his friends how to paddleboard, sharing his passion and skills with others. His active lifestyle extended beyond the water—he was an avid cyclist who could regularly be seen riding through the beachside communities he loved. Known for his remarkable physical fitness, he could still perform perfect headstands into his early 80s, inspiring those around him to stay active and embrace life fully., inspiring those around him to stay active and embrace life fully.

Bob had an amazing sense of humor, always bringing laughter and joy to those around him. His intellectual curiosity was boundless—he was constantly learning, reading, and mastering new skills throughout his life. An avid reader with a particular passion for crime novels, he could often be found immersed in the latest mystery thriller, his sharp mind always eager to solve the case before the final chapter. Even after he could no longer pilot real aircraft, his love of flying continued through flight simulators, where he enjoyed connecting with fellow aviation enthusiasts online. Whether discussing books, history, technology, or current events, his engaging mind and eagerness to learn made him a fascinating conversationalist and mentor to many. He was known for his kindness, respectfulness, and class, qualities that endeared him to everyone he met.

Bob is survived by his loving family: daughter Linda Brock (Lisa) of Inverness, FL; granddaughters Lauren Roche (John) of Jacksonville, FL, and Cat Iris (Adrian) of Risaralda, Colombia; sisters Louise Steiner of Santa Monica, CA, and Mimi Vazquez (Fernando) of Altea, Spain; and former son-in-law Charles Stitt of Jacksonville, FL. Throughout his rich life, Bob cultivated deep and lasting friendships, building a circle of cherished companions who became like family to him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Marine Resources Council at LoveTheIRL.org, supporting Bob's lifelong mission to protect and preserve the Indian River Lagoon.

Bob lived his life as he flew his planes—with precision, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved and the causes he believed in.