Robert "Rob" Daniel Apel

Robert Daniel Apel, lovingly known as “Rob,” passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, in Gulfport, Mississippi, at the age of 46 following a stroke. Born on October 28, 1979, at Naval Air Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, he was the beloved son of Renee Carroll and Tim Apel.

Rob graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola, Florida, in 1998 and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1999. He served as a Nuclear Electrician’s Mate (EMN) for over nine years, including more than three years at sea with the submarine fleet. Rob stood out as a dedicated and highly skilled leader in the Nuclear Electrical Division. Recognized as a system expert and exceptional nuclear operator, he flawlessly guided his division through a demanding six-month Western Pacific deployment aboard the USS Pasadena. He oversaw critical repairs, vital national security missions, and a successful Operational Reactor Safeguards examination. An outstanding supervisor and motivated mentor, he inspired peers and juniors alike with his commitment to excellence. Rob was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with gold star), the Navy Good Conduct Medal (with two bronze stars), and various other medals and ribbons. He was honorably discharged in 2008.

Rob’s greatest personal victory was overcoming a decades-long battle with alcohol addiction. With the steadfast support of family and friends — especially his mother — he persevered and triumphed. Though he faced private challenges, Rob will be remembered as a deeply caring, loving man who could party harder than anyone on the planet.

Rob is preceded in death by his older brother, Tim Apel. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Mariachiara Apel; his cherished niece, Annabelle Apel; his stepmother, Cinzia Apel; his stepfather, Sid Carroll; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and shipmates who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of Rob’s life will begin on August 4th at 12:15PM at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 New Warrington Rd, Pensacola. A procession will start at 1230pm, with a police escort to the Pensacola Naval Air Station, with military honors to follow at Barrancas cemetery at 1:30pm. Guests are invited to return to the funeral home for visitation from 2:30pm to 4:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Rob’s memory to, Volunteers of America of Florida.