More detail on this person: MICHEL, ROBERT WILLIAM "Bob" ROBERT WILLIAM MICHEL passed away on March 14, 2004 at his home in Indian Harbour Beach, FL. Bob lived his life to the fullest and brought countless years of joy to his family and many friends through his boundless humor, endless affection, strength of character and a Frank Sinatra impersonation loved by all. Bob was born in Jersey City, NJ, where he lived for 11 years before moving to Queens, NY, where he was drafted into the Army in 1953 recommended for Officer Candidate Training and promoted to 2nd Lieutenant, Artillery in 1954. After one tour in the Artillery, Bob went into aviation training, where he flew fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. During his 24-year service he served in Austria, Korea, and Viet Nam. Among his awards and decorations are The Legion of Merit, The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Bronze Star, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, 25 Air Medals, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He retired in 1976 as Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career, Bob attended night school and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Troy State University and a Master's Degree in Management Technology from American University. Following his military career, Bob worked in marketing for a variety of Defense contractors and co-founded Cypress International, an international marketing firm, which is still operating today. Long time residents of Old Town VA, Bob and his wife, Patti, moved to Florida in 2000, where he presided as South East Regional Director of The Seniors Coalition, an education and issue advocacy organization for seniors. For the past 70 years, Bob embraced life fully, bringing endless joy and inspiration to his family and friends. A charismatic entertainer who loved music, Bob was known to croon an occasional Frank Sinatra song while laughing the night away with friends in one of their many favorite "Old Town" establishments. Bob is survived by his wife of 20 years, Patricia McCarthy-Michel of Indian Harbour Beach; sons and daughters-in-law, Nolan and Tiffany Michel of St. Cloud, FL, Michael and Maureen Michel of Cape Canaveral, FL; daughter and son-in-law, Sylvia and Tony Ruffel of Viera, FL; step-children, James Caughorn of Knoxville, TN and Kelly McCarthy of Celebration, FL; four grandchildren, Brittany, Madison, Baylor, and Sheridan; and many friends and other family members. His friends and family are thankful for the many special experiences they shared with Bob, and will miss him dearly. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 31 from 12 Noon to 1 p.m. at DEMAINE FUNERAL HOME, 520 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 where funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be held at Arlington National Park Cemetery immediately following. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Hospice of Health First, 1900 Dairy Road, Melbourne, FL 32904; or an organization or church of your choice.
Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
This information was last updated 07/24/2019
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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