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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