Robert Lorain Armstrong

Robert Lorain Armstrong, Ph.D.

Robert left his 89 years in this world on October 28, 2025 with his family beside him after a short illness. He was born in Kalamazoo Michigan on Sept 27th 1936, the eldest child of Robert Henry Armstrong and Virginia Ruth Asmus, and had a brother James (deceased) and has two surviving sisters; Deloris Mattix (San Antonio TX) and Debra Zulauf (Portage MI).

Bob graduated from Kalamazoo Central High, remained in Michigan (Ann Arbor) for his undergraduate degree, and ultimately received his doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1964. During these years, he was a pommel horse specialist on the university’s gymnastic team and received multiple academic honors.

But the best thing that happened in Ann Arbor was meeting and marrying the love of his life, Patricia Ann Ward.

Pat and Bob were married for 65 years. He was an incredible and devoted father of six children: Greg (spouse - Inger Damon, Decatur GA), Jeff (partner - Corinne Armstrong, Newmarket NH), Anne (deceased, spouse - Joseph Colaccino), Joseph (spouse - Marian Armstrong, Flagstaff AZ), and twin girls, Julia and Jessie (deceased). He challenged his children to be their best (and instilled a love of games-playing strategy- “hearts” being exemplar). Later, Pat and Bob were blessed to have amazing daughter and son-in-laws, and a trove of special grandchildren. He was a mentor to these six grandchildren [Stephanie Armstrong (New York); Elise Armstrong (Boston); Mia Armstrong Lopez (spouse: Ricardo Lopez Lopez, Phoenix); Parker Armstrong (New Hampshire); Jonas Armstrong (Vermont), and Tobias Armstrong (Guatemala)]. He always stated that they made him incredibly proud, happy, and confident about the future.

Bob had the good fortune to have lived and worked in many locations around this great country, including notable times in Blacksburg VA, Lexington MA, and Tempe AZ. He enjoyed many careers; including professor of applied mechanics, consulting engineer, and aerospace engineer.

Bob also faced tragedy in his life, particularly the loss of his daughter Anne Elizabeth (Colaccino) at the age of 27 during her graduate work at Yale.

After retirement, Bob and Pat settled in Prescott for the last 30+ years. He volunteered for many organizations (e.g., national and local Red Cross efforts, People Who Care, etc), and became a Ruby Life Master in bridge and a Master chess player.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for later in the year. Donations to your local Humane Society in his name would be welcome.