Robert Stibler

Robert “Bob” W. Stibler, age 84, of Mount Laurel, NJ died Thursday, November 12, 2020, peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Born in Bayonne, New Jersey, Bob was a proud alumnus of Regis High School (NYC) and the United States Naval Academy (USNA) Class of 1958.

After graduating from the Naval Academy, Bob embarked on a diverse 20-year career in the US Navy. His first tour was aboard the destroyer USS Mullany (DD-528) out of San Diego,CA. After a two-year tour, Bob attended sub school for six months in Groton, CT and transitioned to submarines. Then it was down to Key West, FL for his first submarine tour aboard the USS Picuda (SS-382). His next duty station was in Monterey, CA where he attended Naval Post Graduate School. After receiving his advanced degree in Oceanography, he transferred back to Key West, to serve aboard the USS Atule (SS-403). Bob then returned to the surface Navy and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) before transitioning to Engineering Duty Officer for a 5-year tour in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Bob finished out his 20-year Naval career with a final 3-year tour at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, before retiring in June of 1978.

After his retirement, Bob continued his service to the Navy as a defense contractor at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Bob worked hard for his family his entire life. He was always supportive of his children. He gladly attended countless sporting events and was a coach for many. He took on grueling second part-time jobs to make holidays brighter and dreams come true; from car purchases to colleges to homes to family vacations. As the first in his family to graduate from college, Bob was especially proud that all 5 of his children earned college degrees. Bob was a great networker, using his contacts to open doors to kickstart or advance his children’s careers.

Bob and Ginger were avid travelers, going on cruises, planning and attending high school, college and ship reunions across the country. He enjoyed spending time at horse tracks, watching the NY Giants and the Game show network, and was a season ticket holder for Naval Academy Football.

In his later years, when Parkinson’s disease robbed him of his strength and stamina, it also gave him a softness we treasured. For a big guy he had a soft spot for animals, and he loved our pets. He never turned down bringing a pet into the house. He was devoted to his cat Quincy and dog Rascal, taking care of them in their old age. Boston Terrier Meka sat in his lap and kept him company when he could no longer walk around freely. Meka was his constant companion during the final months of his life. Some of his last laughs came from Biscuit jumping up and licking his face. He couldn’t turn away from an animal in need.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Virginia “Ginger”nee Stawski, his five children, Stephen & his wife Ellen, Joseph (USNA 1989) & his wife Betsy, Mary Mulholland, Casey & his wife Kelly, Christine Gorman and her husband Frank and his eight grandchildren: Kirk (USNA 2018), Joe, Claire, Kaelyn, Emma-Kate, Joseph, Erin, & Stephanie.

He was predeceased by his brother William “Bill” Stibler and Bill’s wife Beatrice and his nephew William “Billy” Stibler.

Viewing on Wednesday, November 18th, 7 to 9pm and Thursday, November 19th, 9:15 to 10:15am at the Schetter Funeral Home, 304 W. Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. Funeral mass at 11 am at Christ Our Light Church, 402 N. Kings Hwy, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. Interment at 2pm at Brigadier General William C Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line road, Wrightstown, NJ 08562.

In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory may be made to Wounded Warriors Project PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Fair winds and following seas. We have the watch.