Robert Ira Zweibel, of Clermont, FL, born April 22nd, 1948, passed away on November 23rd, 2024, at the age of 76. Robert was born in Brooklyn, NY to parents Morris and Hannah. He was raised in Queens.
Robert grew up an excellent student, with a bright and curious personality. He showed a passion for electronics, photography, and was an avid sports fan, beginning with a love for the Brooklyn Dodgers at a very young age. He excelled in school, evidenced by his graduation from high school two years early.
Upon his graduation, Robert attended the City College of New York, initially pursuing electrical engineering. However, realizing that discipline was not as hands-on as he had hoped, he switched his focus to Business and Economics. At the age of 19, he was accepted for a civilian position with the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C., becoming the youngest full-time hire by the Department of Defense at the time. Robert would go on to dedicate nearly four decades of service to the nation and the Navy, holding various positions that allowed him to make lasting contributions to the defense sector.
In the 1970s, Robert became the program lead for the Naval surface warfare hydrofoil program, a role that took him to England for sea trials. His career offered opportunities for travel that took him to locations such as Florida and California. Throughout the years he earned numerous honors, including recognition from the Clinton administration with Al Gore’s prestigious Hammer Award for his work in cost-saving initiatives. As Director of the Office of Training and Technology for the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon, Robert’s team played a vital role in implementing the Navy’s use of new technologies and advancing training programs for deployed Naval personnel.
In his early career, Robert returned to school to earn an associate degree in accounting from Benjamin Franklin University (now George Washington University) and achieved Certified Public Accounting accreditation on his first attempt. He worked as a CPA for many decades, providing expertise to many through each tax season.
Robert’s pride and joy were his three children, Wesley, Scott, and Lisa, and his four grandchildren, Madelyn, Eva, Hannah, and Max. Conversations with him inevitably led to stories and memories of his family, who he loved deeply.
Robert shared a very special bond with his wife, Caroline, with whom he was close to celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary. Robert and Caroline met while she was an undergraduate studying in Washington, D.C., at George Washington University. Their courtship was short, as Robert had offered his proposal at the end of their very first date in August of 1969. They married on December 21, 1969. Together, Robert and Caroline built a life and family filled with love, success, and happiness. Over the course of his life he made homes in Maryland, Virginia, Minnesota, and South Carolina before settling in Florida.
A lifelong sports fanatic, Robert was passionate about his teams. He carried his love for the Dodgers outward, and still avidly followed the team after they relocated to Los Angeles. Robert recently celebrated their World Series victory. His love of sports was also evident for the local sports teams he cheered on with his two boys, including the Washington Redskins, and especially the Washington Capitals. He celebrated the Capitals 2018 Stanley Cup with much pride. He cherished the memories of attending Dodgers games with his father at a young age and the hat he got at Ebbett’s Field in Brooklyn will accompany him in his final resting place.
Robert was known for his generosity, kindness, sense of humor, and dedication to his family. He was a man of few words but immense love, and his quiet demeanor was matched only by his devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren. His colleagues and friends from his time with the Navy held him in high regard, and his retirement was celebrated with an honor flag being flown over the Pentagon during that time.
Though he faced numerous health challenges in recent years, Robert’s sudden passing was sadly unexpected. He leaves behind his wife, Caroline, his three children and their spouses, four grandchildren, an older brother, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends. His legacy of love for this country, dedicated service, love for his family, and kindness will be remembered by all who knew him. He will never be forgotten and his spirit and love lives on.