Robert John Scoble

The Scoble boys developed a passion early on in life for technology (Dad always called it the Irish Blacksmith in him) Edward Jr. went towards chemistry and Bob to airplanes. Bob graduated from the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics in Newark, New Jersey in 1942 after turning down a job offer in 1941 from General Chennault (Flying Tiger AVG Group-China). Not long after the Civil Service came and gave them all jobs if they committed to finish school. After graduation Bob was sent to Presque Isle Maine. In Maine he received brand new airplanes from the factory. Repaired them, gassed them up, oiled them and “pushed” each airplane into a “circle” of Canadian territory to be flown to Europe. Soon they were moving B17’s and P38s at Presque Isle; nearly 30 a day. Bob was drafted in 1942, assigned to flying every day from before dawn until late after sundown. Bob like many others was shipped out again, this time ending up in Casablanca. Bob returned from Africa to the States after the war and was discharged in1946. Bob stayed with his passion for aircraft after the war and worked as an aircraft mechanic and inspector modifying many of the post war aircraft for commercial use.

Not everything was airplanes however; Bob had started a war time romance while overseas with Dorothy Lehman. Dorothy was good friends with Bob’s cousin and she suggested that Dorothy write him while he was overseas. What started as pen pal letters blossomed into his lifelong love. Bob and Dorothy were married in Fort Lee, New Jersey July 26, 1947 in the beautiful Madonna Catholic Church which her father Edward Lehman had painted the murals on the ceiling. Today the Madonna Catholic church is a landmark in the town of Fort Lee. They started their life together with a trip to Niagara Falls.

In 1951 Bob began his long term career with the Flying Tiger Lines using the same skills he developed in the Army Air Corps: repairing aircraft. By now Bob was also well accustomed to moving about the country and the world. When Flying Tigers asked him, he moved his young family to Southern California in 1958. Not an easy feat in those days. He and Dorothy (Dottie) pulled it off. Two kids in tow and a third on the way. Bob moved his family to Southern California, telling his wife that the streets were lined in gold. They settled down with their three kids and many friends from work. Bob and Dottie raised their three children in California, far from family but not far from many friends. We children never wanted for anything.

Bob retired from Flying Tigers after over 35 years but stayed involved with the Tiger family. His beloved wife Dorothy of 43 years passed away in 1990. After her death Bob stayed active in his Church and his community. He helped establish the Tiger Museum which is now located at the FedEx facility. Bob loved being involved with his church at St. Julie’s and joined many organizations such as Helping Hands, Knights, Owl’s and his beloved Donut Club and McDonald’s Breakfast Club. Through his involvement with his church he met a very special lady named Patty Howard and they enjoyed 14 years of friendship. She became part of the Scoble Family, attending all the special events. Last year at his 90th birthday party, his son Bob, Jr. presented him with the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award from the FAA in recognition of Bob’s 50 years in the Aviation Industry. He was very proud of this honor.

Bob has now followed Dottie and his brother Eddie to a new life. Bob is survived by their three children, Bob Jr. (Little Bobby), Alyce, (alias Lycee) and Diane (the native Californian). There are eight Grandchildren; Matthew, Elizabeth, Amanda, Jonathon, Patrick, Brandon, Emily Rose, Scott, and seven Great-Grand Children; Tessa Nicole, Aubrey, Liam, Seren, Gabriel, McKenzie and Denise.

We all miss you very much Papa, (Big Bob) we are thankful for your devotion and proud of the legacy you have left us.