Colonel Robert David Kravet

Col. Robert D. Kravet, USMC Retired passed away peacefully at his beloved home in San Diego Country Estate, Ramona California, on May 24, 2015 after a battle with Bladder Cancer. Born on Dec. 12th 1929, in Trenton, N.J. to Esther and Nathan Kravetz. Where he lived for the first 18 years of his life. He graduated from Trenton High in the Top of his class. The Marine Corps recruiting sergeant turned down Bob as “Too small” and recommends Bob go down the street and see the Army recruiter. Bob did and enlisted in the Army of the United States. This was the start of 35 years, Boy and Man, of having a uniform on his back, or in his closet! While Army Enlisted: Trained as Rifleman-scored expert with M – 1 Rifle Trained as Morse Code Radio Operator instructed Radio Procedures (Voice and Radio) Released from active duty July 1949 – Assigned to Army Reserve unit and started Junior College as Freshman Engineering student in hometown Trenton, New Jersey. While in Junior College took the “Full Ride” Navy ROTC exam along with 20,000 across the U.S.A. Bob was one of 2,000 selected to start college in September 1950. The Korean War started the end of July 1950. The Army after a “Paper Hassle discharged Bob and he was sworn in as a Midshipman, USN Reserve. Bob elected to follow the Marine Corps option and was sworn in Upon Graduation end of July 1953. About the same time Bob became a second Lieutenant the Korean War ended. During the active duty period between August 1953 and November 1955 Bob was trained as: Infantry Platoon Leader Photo Interpreter (Tactical & Strategic) Released from active duty with Corps end of November 1955. Stayed active in various Marine Corps Reserve units, basically in the intelligence field. Petitioned for active duty in 1966. Reported to Camp Pendleton January 3, 1967 for deployment to HQs, third Marine Amphibious Force. Assigned as air Surveillance Officer, G-2 (Intelligence) section. Carried out duties as such for 13 months. Returned from Vietnam February 1968 released from active duty June 1968. Continued reserve career until Retirement end of July 1983. During these 35 years of service Bob served in: 9th Infantry Division, US Army Fort Dix, NJ; 2nd Armored Division, US Army Camp Hood, TX; 78th Army Reserve Division Trenton, NJ; NROTC, Univ. of Texas (Austin); Navy Amphibious Base Little Creek, VA; Navy air Station Corpus Christi, TX; 24th Special Basic Class (Infantry Platoon Leader), Quantico, VA; 2nd Marine Air Wing, Cherry Point, NC; Various Marines Reserve Units (located in NJ, NY, IN and CA); III Marine Amphibious Force, Vietnam Camp Pendleton Base Headquarters (Sat on General Court Martial Board for 3 months awaiting release from active duty after Vietnam) Bob travels during his “Military Years” The State of Texas {includes Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, Wichita Falls, Waco, etc.} Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Guantanamo, Cuba, Puerto, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, D.C., Okinawa, Vietnam, Sydney, Australia, he Flew over the Equator twice and crossed the International Date line twice. Bob started his military career as a bare sleeved Army Pvt. And ended as a Col. In the Marine Corp. He was a true Patriot. He truly believed we live in the Greatest Country in the World, and appreciated sacrifices made by so many to keep the country free. Bob loved to read, especially about the History of our country and the history of the Military. He truly was an “Officer and a Gentleman”. Bob work for over 35 years as an Industrial Engineer for Teledyne Ryan. He always believed in doing the right thing. He was a care giver for his mother, father and sister until their deaths. Bob and Maldetta met on June 10th, 1980. He was a 53 year old Bachelor. They were married on Sept. 11, 1982. Bob accepted and loved Maldetta’s children as his own. His on flaw was he thought Maldetta was the most beautiful woman in the World. He always told everyone wait until you meet my beautiful wife. He would always tell me don’t work so hard, get cleaned up and look beautiful and go have fun with your friends. He will be missed so much. His love was never ending. Bob was preceded by his mother Esther Kravetz, His father Nathan Kravetz, Brother Larry Kravet and Sister Denise Lavine, and his step son Lonnie Watkins. Bob is survived by his wife Maldetta Kravet, Step daughter Janest Cornell, son in law Gary Cornell, Grandchildren, Ronnie Cornell, Sherri Edell, Robbie and Tara Cornell, Ryan and Leni Cornell, and Brittany and Mitch Barroga, Great Grand Children Dylan Barroga, Ava Cornell, Phoenix Barroga and Baby Jack Cornell they all live in the San Diego, one Nephew John Kravet of Florida and 3 sister in laws, 4 brother- in –laws and many nieces, nephew great niece and nephew. Bob’s famous last words when saying good bye were “Until we meet again”. We love you Col., Bob, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa. We will all miss you “Until we meet again”.