Robert Frederick Simes

Robert Frederick Simes passed away in Asheville, NC on Good Friday April 10, 2020 at the age of 95. 

Bob was born in Spring Lake, New Jersey on May 6, 1924 and spent the majority of his youth in Baldwin, Long Island. In June of 1941 at the age of 17, Bob enlisted in the Navy and served until he received an honorable discharge for medical reasons in December of 1941. Undeterred, and with a keen desire to serve, he enrolled in the New York State Merchant Marine Academy at Fort Schuyler in 1942. After earning an officer’s commission in 1944, he was sent to the South Pacific to serve as the first division officer aboard the USS Blue Ridge. During his tour of duty overseas Bob participated in the two largest amphibious invasions in the Pacific: at Leyte and Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines. After the war, Bob continued to serve in the Naval reserves, eventually attaining the rank of Captain in 1968.

Upon returning to the US, Bob enrolled in Adelphi University where he met the love of his life, Bobsy Quinlan, from Lawrence, MA. The two married on June 21, 1948 and together they began a wonderful marriage that spanned 68 years filled with love, four children, service, community and terrific friends. Bob worked hard to support his growing family during the day and attended night school at NYU, completing his undergraduate degree in 1952.

Bob’s love for the water never wavered and he was always on the lookout for meaningful ways to spend time with his family. In 1961 he spearheaded a project at the Babylon Yacht Club to build 21 Y-Flyer sailboats with his two sons and a few other friends in order to start a new mid- winter racing class.

Bob worked as a Sales Representative for Milliken and Company for over 35 years in both New York and Texas. The 13 years Bob and Bobsy spent in Dallas were among the most joyful of their marriage - creating memories with their children and with great friends made primarily through the tennis community. Upon his retirement Bob and Bobsy moved to Hilton Head, SC where Bob became an active member of Habitat for Humanity working on over 65 homes during his years of service there.

In November 2011, Bob and Bobsy relocated to the Deerfield Retirement Community in Asheville, NC. Bob volunteered with several service organizations including Meals on Wheels and Mission Hospital.

Bob is survived by his sons Jeffrey and Bob Jr. (wife Deirdre), his daughter Alison (husband Lynn), grand-daughters, Kelly Simes (husband Jason), Kathleen and Nathalie LeBreton, and great

grand-daughters Savanna Thomas and Elizabeth Kirkland. He was preceded in death by his wife Bobsy, daughter Leslie, and parents Reginald Simes and Florence Edmondson.

Bob will always be remembered as an officer and a gentleman, who was a devoted and loving husband and father.

A memorial service will be held at the Deerfield Retirement Community in Asheville, NC once social distancing restrictions are lifted. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Deerfield Retirement Residency fund are preferred.

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