ROBERT HOOPER

Robert Hooper - Rockledge - Robert Hooper, 83, passed away on Wednesday, April 7, 2010. He is survived by his sweetheart of 20 years, Julia Loy; his children, Lorie Drewke, Steve and Bobby Hooper; his granddaughter, Kendal, and his sister, Consuelo Corretjer Lee. Robert's joys included sailing and flying, and he was an "instrument rated" aviator. He served in the Merchant Marines during the Second World War. His varied careers included maritime salvage, marine diving, and machine design, research and development. He co-owned and operated a machine shop through which, among other things, he designed, manufactured, and patented with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office motorboat propeller guards known as the Prop Buddy. These guards are currently used by the U.S. Coast Guard at Panama City, FL and the U.S. Navy at Kings Bay, GA. In addition to protecting the boat propeller, this guard was designed to protect both marine and human life. Our country's Navy commended Robert for the design of the Prop Buddy and credited this design with saving thou sands of taxpayer dollars. Among the benefits cited by the Navy included a story about a Naval sailor who was thrown from a boat and then suffered broken legs by the vessels out drive, only to be spared severe propeller lacerations by reason of the Prop Buddy. A celebration of Bobs life will be held at 500 Snug Harbor Dr. in Merritt Island on Saturday, April 17th at 3 p.m. Friends are invited. Following the celebration his ashes will be cast at sea aboard the Miss Cape Canaveral which leaves Port Canaveral at 6:15 p.m. Contributions in Roberts memory may be made to Wuesthoff Hospice, 8060 Spyglass Hill Rd, Viera, FL 32940.