Matthew Bobola

Capt. Matthew E. Bobola, USN, Retired, 53, of 100 Hermans Court, Moyock, died Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, at his home. Born in Phoenixville, Pa., he was the son of Edward Bobola of Jacksonville, Fla., and the late Lugretta Metz Bobola and was the husband of Suzanne Armstrong Bobola.

Capt. Bobola graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from the University of Southern California and was commissioned in May, 1982. His sea duty tours included duty as First Lieutenant, Combat Information Center Officer and Operations Officer in USS Elmer Montgomery (FF 1082), Operations Officer in USS Bowen (FF 1079), Operations Officer on the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron Fourteen, Executive Officer in USS Gettysburg (CG 64), Commissioning Commanding Officer in USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22, Chief of Staff, Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, and Chief of Staff, Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group. Capt. Bobola's shore duty assignments included Combat Systems and Damage Control Instructor at Surface Warfare Division Officer School, Student at the Naval War College, Computer Systems Analyst for Joint Warfare Simulations at the Joint Warfighting Center, Force Structure Analyst in the Requirements Division (N81) and C4ISR Section Head for the Director, Surface Warfare Division (N86) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, Professional Mariner Project Lead on the Chief of Naval Operation's Task Force EXCEL, Future Operations Officer on the staff of Commander, Fleet Forces Command (N3), Director of Staff, Commander, US Naval Forces, EUROPE and COMSIXTHFLT and Chief of Staff, Commander, Naval Surface Force, Atlantic.

In addition to his father and his wife, Capt. Bobola is survived by three children, Matthew Bobola and wife Sara of Reston, Va., Charles Bobola and wife Erin of Chesapeake, Va., and Valerie Bobola of Moyock; two sisters, Suzanne Austin and Patricia Edwards, both of Jacksonville, Fla.; two brothers, Paul Bobola and wife Bobette of Jacksonville, Fla., and Tim Bobola and wife Sue Ann of Charleston, S.C.; his father-in-law, Gerald Armstrong of Jacksonville; two sisters-in-law, Julie Gamble of Camden, Ark., and Linda Syfrett and husband Tim of Jacksonville; and numerous nieces and nephews. Along with his mother, he was preceded in death by his twin sister, Mary Elizabeth Scofield.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Pam Murray, Natalie Phillips and Albemarle Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. They also want to thank Pastor Bill, Don Schone, all of their friends at the New Moyock United Methodist Church and Capt. Bobola's dear friends, Todd and Fran Manas. Without the love and support shown by all of you, they would not have made it through this difficult time.

A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at the New Moyock United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bill Masciangelo, Lt.Col., USMC, Ret. officiating. In accordance with his wishes, a burial at sea will take place from the USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the New Moyock United Methodist Church, 278 Caratoke Highway, Moyock, NC; Albemarle Hospice, P.O. Box 189, Elizabeth City, NC 27907; or to any organization dedicated to advancing kidney cancer research.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at twifordfh.com.

Twiford Funeral Home, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City is assisting the Bobola family.