Robert Martin Pender

Robert Martin “Bob” Pender, long-time resident of Port Tobacco, MD, passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at the age of 88. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years Jacqueline “Jo” Pender, his 5 children Tom, Sue, Patty, Robin and Sean, and his 6 grandchildren Tim, Andy, Scott, Patrick, Kevin, and Savannah. Bob was born and raised in upstate New York, graduating from Lemoyne College with a Bachelor of Science before joining the Navy, where he served for over thirty years between active duty and the reserves, retiring as a Captain. While in the Navy he was a fighter pilot, flying the F-8 Crusader- the “Last of the Gunfighters” where he was better known by his call sign “Fury2”. In the Navy Reserve, he focused his efforts on recruiting the next generation of fighter pilots. He loved flying -- so much so that he continued as a Civil Air Patrol for the State of Maryland well into his seventies. After leaving the Navy, Bob dedicated himself to his true passion – education. He was a teacher in New York state where he earned his Masters degree from Syracuse University before relocating to Maryland to become the Director of Pupil Services for Charles County. In this position he focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for children with Learning Disabilities, both mental and physical. In the early 1970s his work placed him at the forefront of the burgeoning inclusion movement in the United States.

Bob loved to play golf, bowl, travel the world with his wife, and of course, fly. He was a long-time active member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Welcome, MD, serving as lectern as recently as weeks before his passing. He was very active with many charities, to include volunteering for United Cerebral Palsy for over 30 years.

Bob’s family likes to think that he received two sets of wings – one set in 1955 from the US Navy, and the second set he earned on August 26th as a reward for his lifetime of service. He touched many lives over the course of his lifetime, and he will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

The Catholic Funeral (Requiem) Mass will be held at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Waldorf Maryland on September 14, 2021 at 1130 am (face masks required). A wake will follow the services with details to be provided. Bob Pender’s final resting place will be at the Cheltenham Veteran’s Cemetery.