Robert passed away peacefully January 13, 2009 surrounded by his family. He was born April 15, 1928 in Inglewood, CA to Leo and Eleanor. Robert was the second son of three rambunctious boys. He was lovingly referred to as “Skippy” throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Frank and Johann. Robert attended elementary and high school in El Segundo, CA. Upon graduation from El Segundo High School in l945, he immediately joined the Navy. Following the war, Robert pursued his degree in mechanical engineering and graduated from Loyola Marymount University in l951. He began his engineering career at AirResearch in Los Angeles. He married Regina Hoban in l953 and they were happily married for 48 years until Regina’s death in 2001. He transferred, with the company, to Phoenix in l955 where the young couple purchased their first home. He remained with AirResearch his entire 38 year career and retired from AlliedSignal as Chief Engineer of Power Systems in l987. Regina kept his social calendar full throughout their married life, but she never interfered with his monthly poker games which have lasted for 50 years. He also enjoyed the great outdoors, hunting and fishing with his dear friends and family. He enjoyed many years of travel, all over the world, with the most special trips being to a small village in the Alps of Switzerland, where his father was raised. Robert was a big sports fan and particularly enjoyed the tailgate parties with the Sun Devil crowd and most recently his trips to Ball State University football games in Indiana. Robert “Papa” will be deeply missed by his surviving family; son, Daniel Diane Von Flue and daughters Kathy Tom Collins, and Mary Kay Dennis Meyers. He is also survived by seven grandchildren; Eryn Brent Brewer, John Stefanie Von Flue, Amber George Saldivar, Robert Collins, Monica Von Flue, Cuyler Meyers and Kathryn Meyers and two great-grandchildren; Hunter Von Flue and Carter Brewer. A Scripture Service will be held at 6:00pm, Sunday, January 18 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00am, Monday, January 19, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, 85014.
Bruce Fulmer
We just returned to the valley and have learned of the passing of old acquaintences.
I worked for Bob on many occasions and remember him with great respect. He was tough but extremely fair and generous
where appropriate. If you never lied to him you never had to worry
about harsh treatment.
My first experience was as a new grad in 1967 – having Bob proof-read a technical paper and catching a misspelling UPSIDE DOWN!, a quality attributed to his strict training in school.
I k now he loved fishing but had a bad back. I hope in retirement
he was still able to enjoy his hobby.