Robert Joseph Philburn

Bob was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and active parishioner of Saint Mary's Church. Born January 24, 1929 in Irvington, New Jersey, he was the youngest of three children born to Louise (Metz) and William F. Philburn, Sr. His brother, William F. Philburn, Jr. predeceased him. He is survived by his sister, Kathleen Bushka, of Bloomfield, Connecticut.

Bob spent his childhood along the coast of New Jersey where he learned to swim and sail at an early age. After graduation from Seton Hall University in 1949 with a degree in accounting, he worked on Wall Street and served in the Army National Guard. In 1951, he was drafted into active duty, and served in the U.S. Army finance center in Friedberg, Germany.

After military service, he began work for Shell Oil Company. He remained with the company for 35 years rising to become Senior Real Estate Representative until his retirement in 1988. Over the years with Shell, job transfers moved him and his family to New York, Connecticut, Georgia, and Maryland. Ultimately, he made Annapolis his home because the Chesapeake Bay and rivers reminded him of his childhood on the New Jersey coast. He sailed in races and rallies up and down the east coast and volunteered for the U.S. Naval Academy Sailing Squadron.

His beloved wife of 42 years, Therese M. O’Connor, predeceased him in 2001. Together they had three children and six grandchildren. In 2004, he married Maureen Mershon of Annapolis with whom he enjoyed an ever-growing social circle of friends and extended family. They exchanged vows in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.

At Saint Mary's, he sang in the choir, and he served as a lector for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed celebrating and promoting his Irish Catholic heritage as a longtime member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. His favorite celebrations included Irish food, music and dancing on St. Patrick’s Day, Commodore John Barry Day, and the Annapolis St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Bob remained healthy and active into his 90s. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren, sailing, travel and cruises all over the world. He contributed generously throughout his life to charitable organizations supporting Catholic schools, social services, and vocations. He will be remembered for his cheerful optimism, strong faith, and love for his family.

He is survived by his children Robert T. (Åsa), Ann (Michael Feldtmose), and Justin (Ginger), and grandchildren Angelica, Kasey, Kevin, Luke, Flynt and Ronin. Left to cherish his memory are Maureen Mershon and her family, Maureen Short (Jack), Jane Sinclair, Colleen Prosser (Lester), Ronald Sinclair, Molly Simms (Mauricio), Denise Boswell, Renee Lee, Michele Fleck (Tom), 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren who affectionately called him “Poppy Bob.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Saint Mary's Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 9:00 am. A reception will follow at the Fleet Reserve Club. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to some of the charities he supported, the Little Sisters of the Poor at https://www.littlesistersofthepoor.org or Saint Vincent de Paul Society of Saint Mary’s Parish at https://www.svdpannapolis.com

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnmtaylorfuneralhome.com for the family.