He was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on July 2, 1945
Robert graduated from Commerce High School in 1965 and volunteered to serve with the United States Navy. Robert became a proud Seabee and twice deployed in support of combat operations to Naval Support Activity Da Nang, Vietnam where he earned the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia, the National Defense Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Additionally, Robert completed a 6-month deployment to Antarctica.
Following Robert’s military service, he worked in the trucking industry as a commercial truck driver and driving instructor for United Parcel Service, Commercial Carrier and most recently XPO logistics, formerly known as Conway Freight.
Robert married Marilyn Margaret Desautell on June 28, 1969 and was married for 49 years.
Robert volunteered 18 years on the Oakham Fire Department and served four years in the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Robert was a family man and a true outdoorsman. Robert enjoyed playing chess and horseshoes and was an avid basketball player. He also spent several years of his youth as a lead singer in a band called the Four Miracles.
Robert is survived by his wife Marilyn DesRosiers, his children, Dyan Stanfill and her husband Bob, Diane Madar and her husband Jeffrey, Denise Echavarria and her husband Juan, Steven DesRosiers and his wife Jessica, and Danielle DesRosiers and her husband Casey.
Robert is also survived by his grandchildren: Jeffrey, Andrew, Tyler, Ryan, Jaden, Evan, Cassandra, Genevieve, Lillian, Phineas, Gwendolyn, Nathaniel, Allison and Casey Jr. and also his great grandson Rowan.
Funeral arrangements will be held on Monday, September 17, 2018 at the BEACHES CHAPEL BY HARDAGE-GIDDENS, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach. Family and friends are welcomed to gather at Beaches Chapel on Monday at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am. Military honors will be rendered at 2:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville.
