More detail on this person: Colonel Robert J.
Drew (USS Army-Retired) aged 73 years passed
away peacefully on Monday, February 25,2013 at
the home of his son Phillip in Cardiff,
California.
Bob was born in Jersey City to the late Agnes
(Kane) and Henry Drew. He is predeceased by his
brother Henry, his first wife Elizabeth and his
second wife Joanne. He is survived by his son
Phillip and wife Priscilla of Cardiff CA, his
brother Thomas and wife Janet of Middletown and
sister-in-law Rosemary of Bricktown. He is also
survived by two step sons, two step grandsons, six
nephews and a niece as well as five grand nephews
and nieces.
Bob was a member of the first graduating class
from Marist High School in 1958 and went on to
graduate from St. Peters College. A member of the
ROTC program at St. Peter's, Bob was
commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the US Army
upon graduation. Bob's love of country and family
saw him sent to Viet Nam as a helicopter pilot.
During his stay in Viet Nam, he distinguished
himself by flying over 400 combat missions and
earning for himself over 25 citations and medals
for bravery in the face of enemy fire.
Bob was not a braggart and spoke very little of
his heroism, but the citations that accompanied
the medals told the story of a leader who put
himself in mortal danger while helping to evacuate
his troops from behind enemy lines. Bob's military
career had many stops as most do, and after 20
more years, Bob retired as a full Colonel in the
US Army. Bob spent many years working for FEMA
in a capacity that enabled him to continue serving
the people of America.
Bob, you will be sorely missed by all who knew
you, as well as by those whose lives you touched
without their ever knowing that it was your
dedication, love and heroism which provided the
wind beneath their sails. Bob your tour of duty is
complete, rest in paradise with the other heroes
whose service we too often take for granted.
Funeral services, honors and interment will take
place on Wednesday June 5, 2013 at Arlington
Memorial Cemetery in Arlington Virginia at 12 PM.
For additional information please e-mail
Idybugsnj@verizon.net or pdrew@aol
Published in Asbury Park Press from May 29 to
May 31, 2013
This information was last updated 12/27/2011
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