Robert Howard Searl, Jr

May 9, 1946 – July 13, 2024

Robert Howard Searl, Jr., 78, of Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

He was born in Chester, PA. He was the only son of Robert H. Searl, Sr, and Edwina Grace (Baldwin) Searl, both formerly of Paulsboro, New Jersey. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Betty Dianne Hollingshead-Williams. Robert was married to the late Lynette Marie Bombard for 36 years during which they had three daughters: Laurey Dianne Goebel, Jennifer Lynn Pistulka, and Patricia Lynette Searl. Robert and Lynette had seven grandchildren from their marriage.

In addition to those above Robert is survived by his dear friend and companion since 2007, Millie P. Williams, of Morehead City, NC.

Robert grew up in southern New Jersey and graduated from Audubon High School in 1963. He then attended the University of Virginia where he studied engineering and management. His 35-year career in the Telecommunications industry included management positions at New Jersey Bell Telephone Company, AT&T, Bell Atlantic Corporation, Verizon Communications, and finally its subsidiary Verizon Connected Solutions where he was Vice President Staff and Chief Information Officer.

After retirement, Bob served 15 years as certified Aircrew in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary flying missions and patrols with the Aviation Unit in Sector North Carolina. 

Previously he was also a skills coach for junior olympic softball and AAU basketball, was on the Founding Board of Directors for the Transplant Recipients International Organization for the National Capital Area, served in an advisory capacity for the American Heart Association, and was appointed to President Nixon’s Youth Advisory Commission for the Selective Service System.

Bob was small in stature but large in presence. A true Renaissance man, he was a lifelong scholar and natural teacher, always eager to share his latest insights in theology, philosophy, biology, technology, history, law, medicine, economics, or political science or culinary arts. He dedicated himself to mastery of a wide variety of pursuits, most successfully cooking, photography and golf.  

To family and friends, he was a guiding compass and pillar of strength and wisdom. He was genuine, loving, humorous, and grateful for all of life’s opportunities. Bob’s influence on all who knew him has been profound and will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am Friday, July 19, 2024, at Andrews Mortuary, 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. A graveside service will follow the same day at 11:00 am at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1311 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28412. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to any of his favorite charities: American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Liver Foundation, or Lower Cape Fear Life Care.

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