Captain Robert J. Forsyth

Robert J. Forsyth 1928-2016Captain Robert Joseph (Bob) Forsyth, USN (retired), 88, of Pensacola, FL, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 20, 2016 surrounded by family. He was born March 24, 1928 in Staten Island, NY. He attended Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Staten Island, and Regis High School in Manhattan. He attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY, the University of Mississippi, Oxford, MI and graduated from Villanova University in 1951 on a Navy ROTC scholarship. He later earned an MBA from George Washington University in Washington DC.His Naval career included service in destroyers in Korea and Vietnam. He served as Commanding Officer of the Fleet Ocean Tug USS CHOWANOC (ATF-100), the Destroyer USS SHIELDS (DD-596), and the U.S. Naval Communication Station, Rota, Spain. After 27 years of service with distinction, he began a second career with ITT Corporation in New York City as a manager of finance and capital projects. He retired to Perdido Bay in 1993. Bob was best known for his love of conversation and willingness to roll up his sleeves and help do whatever needed to be done. He was a generous individual who loved golf, learning about art, traveling and spending time with his family including many grandchildren. He was passionate about social issues and was an active and dedicated member of the Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit parish.He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Atha Forsyth, and sisters, Irene O'Neill, and Elizabeth Hickson.He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Eileen R.; their children Robert Joseph Jr., Brian A., Stuart T., and Nora M. (Jacobsen); and sisters Ann Johnson, Joan Kuebler, Mary Vignec, and Rita Betsch.A funeral Mass will be held at 8:30 am, Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit on Gulf Beach Highway. A military burial will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery at 10:15 am, followed by a reception at the Church of the Holy Spirit Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society at https://donate.nmcrs.orgArrangements under Oak Lawn Funeral Home.