Robert Arthur Andreae

Preceded in death by his parents, Jean Ellen Owens-Garret and Andreas “Andy” A. Andreae; his parents-in-law, Imogene Cole and Dewey Cole, Jr; and his sisters-in-law, Amanda Sloan and Nancy Cole. Bob is survived by his wife of 30 years, Vickie Cole Andreae, his sister Kathleen “Kathy” Andreae, his brother-in-law Andy Cole, his daughter, Kristin Carter (Charlie), his three stepchildren; Jennifer Buchko (Mark), Christy Zarro (Jim), and James Adair (Heidi), his 10 grandchildren – Emma and Timothy Buchko; April and Jack Carter; Jillian, Erin, and Molly Zarro; and Lucy, Finnegan and Samantha Adair; his nephews J. Dewey (Rhiannon) and Zachary Cole; and Todd Covarrubias (Debbie), as well as a multitude of inherited aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Bob was born at the Presidio in San Francisco on October 5, 1947, into an Air Force family that moved all around the country. Following in his father’s footsteps, he attended the University of Missouri-Rolla (now the Missouri University of Science and Technology) from which he graduated in 1969 with a BSME. During his college summers, Bob worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, NH, as a civil service intern, mechanical engineering aide. Bob was promoted to Mechanical Engineer upon his graduation from college.

In June 1971, Bob enlisted in the Air Force. After completing the required training, his first duty station was at the Pentagon. Upon honorable discharge, he continued his civil service career at the Pentagon. His career culminated in an assignment as the AF Renovation Program Manager. The Department of the Air Force recognized him for his tenacity and creativity in managing this significant project, earning him the title of "Master Renovator." In 2011, after 42 years of distinguished civil service, he retired, receiving an “Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award” for his accomplishments. Bob was also given a piece of the Pentagon as a token of gratitude for his service, of which he was extremely proud.

Before the widespread use of mobile phones, Bob volunteered with the Northern Virginia Chapter of Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams (REACT), an organization that monitored CB radio emergency channels, assisted in coordinating support for disabled motorists, and coordinated emergency responses during parades and other community events. He was Team President of REACT from 1979 to 1981. In 1982, he was awarded a certificate of recognition by the Air Force Communications Command for his humanitarian service during the Air Florida disaster.

Bob was a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, a lifetime member of both the Air Force Association and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He was an avid fan of the Washington Nationals and the Capitals. Bob loved fishing with Vickie at Burke Lake Park and teaching the grandchildren to become the next generation of fisherpeople.

Bob will be remembered for his love and support of everything the kids and grandchildren did. From early soccer games and Pep-band days at UVA football games with Kristin to taking Jamie to basketball practices, he was their number one fan. He attended numerous events to support the grand children including marching band at Yorktown HS and CNU, GMU Club Baseball, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, ice hockey, horseback riding, soccer, chorus and orchestra concerts, drama plays, ice skating lessons, rock climbing, art shows, and dance recitals. Bob also braved “Snore and Roar” at the National Zoo. It seems Bob and Vickie were always coming or going. Friday night sleepovers with the grands were a staple; they included old black and white movies, ice cream for dessert, and Dunkin’ Donuts for breakfast (he had everyone’s order memorized). Saturday night family dinners often included a kickball game or Bob’s favorite card game, Phase 10.

The kids kept Bob stocked in his favorite cookies- chocolate chip and round-n-rounds- and they laughed and sang along with songs he created about everyday events such as “we are going to the P-O-O-L”. Marrying into a large extended family meant that plans often changed and Bob would remark as only he could: “That’s a fine how do you do”. He was up for any adventure, from attending Cole family reunions to spending his first wedding anniversary with Vickie at Maxwell Airforce Base dining at a food court. This then became a yearly dining tradition on their anniversary. Most importantly, he set an example for being a good husband and grandfather by accompanying Vickie on every shopping trip, especially those for the grands, where he would insist that we utilize his “super strong pointer finger” to hold all acquired shopping bags.

We could not have asked for a more loving, wonderful husband, father, and granddaddy. We miss him. His love and his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.

Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico in a private service.

Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to a charity of your choice or to: Wounded Warriors, INOVA Schar Cancer Center, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.