Howard Roop Obituary

Roop, Rear Admiral Howard, USNR (ret), EDD Oct 17, 1924 - June 2, 2011 Education - USC BS '49, MS '59, EDD '71. Enlisted in Navy 1942 as an aviation cadet. Released from Navy 1946, Direct Commission in Naval Reserve 1949; started teaching and coaching high school 1949; recalled to Korean conflict 1951. Howard became member of an Underwater Demolition Team in 1952, later known as SEALS. He was a teacher, coach, principal, then Asst. Superintendent at first Bellflower then Huntington Beach High School Dists. He stayed in Reserves and was promoted to Rear Admiral 1980, commanding 6,000 reserves in Region 19. He was called back to active duty 1982, serving as Deputy Director of the Naval Reserve at the Pentagon; retired from the Navy in 1984. He was called back to Washington DC in 1987 as the Commandant of the Defense Intelligence College for 3 years. Howard retired to Orange County, and consulted with the SEALS in Coronado and USC; active in Rotary and the World Affairs Council of Orange County. Howard is survived by his wife, Harriet B. Roop; daughters, Catherine Grey and Darla Haller; grandchildren, Anne Grey and Ryan Basden. A Celebration of Life will be held June 17, 2011 at 12 pm at Fairhaven Memorial Park, Santa Ana, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Education Outreach of the World Affairs Council OC, United States Navy League Orange County Council, or Orange County Philharmonic Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orange County Register on Jun. 15, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Roop

12 Entries

Albert McGilvray

March 10, 2012

I was RADM Roop's enlisted public affairs specialist in San Diego. He was a great commanding officer to work for. Rest in Peace. JO1 Albert McGilvray, (ret)

Jack Newland

August 5, 2011

I met the Admiral as he was taking his re-entry physical at MCAS El Toro in 1987. I remember him as being very personable and easy to speak to. For a junior enlisted man, that is memorable, and officers like him were the kind you salute not just because you have to, but because you respected him. Fair Winds and following Seas, Sir!

Ron Strader

June 24, 2011

I attended CCHS 1957-60 and was on the football team and wrestling team. Coach Roop inspired me over the next 50 years as I thought about him. Thanks Coach.

Marcia Birney

June 20, 2011

The entries I have read are all from guys. I was is Mr. Roop's driver education class. I always considered him a wonderful teacher, a role model and an inspiration. Marcia (McVey) Birney (1958)

Jackie Milin-Rick

June 17, 2011

My experience with Coach and Mrs.Roop was through the Pep Squad. Mrs. Davy Roop was our sponsor and Coach encouraged all us girls to "learn the game of football" so we would use the appropriate cheer during a game!! He always appreciated our school spirit and let us know.Coach was a successful man in many ways and we are better people because he was in our lives in a special way. God Bless,

June 17, 2011

Coach Roop has always been in my memory. I was on his wrestling team from '57 to '59. I was not that great at wrestling but when I was a senior I was in the wrstling NOVICE tournament and won. I didn't receive a trophy but I now Know that Coach Roop bought that trophy for me and gave to me in his office. I will always remember him for that. He was that kind of human being. Gary Cornett

Peter Pellerito

June 17, 2011

I was saddened to hear of Coach Roop's death.Atthe the same time, it gives me the opportunity to express to you how much he meant to me as a young man playing football at Culver High in 1955,56;57. He was a coach, teacher,mentor and role model for all of his players. He instilled a sense of optimism, determination, pride and honor in me and many others.He could be very tough and demanding but he was also very fair minded.
I say thank you to him for showing me the path to leading a successful life. I'm so pleases me that I told him this directly when I saw him last at the football reunion in 2007.
What a great man and great American! He will be missed.May he rest in peace.
Pete Pellerito

June 17, 2011

COACH ROOP WAS A GREAT AMERICAN. HE WAS A LEADER BOTH IN THE SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY, AND IN EDUCATION, AND COACHING. I WAS IN HIS CLASSROOM AT CULVER CITY CA,.HIGH SCHOOL. AND HE WAS MY WRESTLEING TEAM COACH FOR THREE YEARS. HE MADE MANY OF HIS STUDENTS AND PLAYERS, BETTER ADULTS AND LEADERS. HE SHOWED US HOW HARD WORK AND LEARNING COULD BE REWARDING ALONG WITH BEING FUN. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL THE KNEW HIM.-RICHARD HAMEL

frank dolce

June 17, 2011

coach roop rest in peace. your career certainly has distinguished you as someone very special and an amazing, dedicated american patriot. However, to me you were the man that gave me the inspiration, courage and dream to reach for an impossible future. while i'll will always remember our wrestling match while training for the cif title it's what you said and did afterward that distinguished you from all others and gave me the future i now enjoy. thank you and god bless. with love, respect and undying gratitude, frank dolce

Wayne Flaaten

June 17, 2011

Coach Roop was an outstanding educator & fine human being - as well as a true American patriot.
I remember having a long & very interesting phone conversation with him when he was at the Pentagon.
My thots & prayers are with his family.

Wayne Flaaten
CCHS 1958

Miles Anderson

June 15, 2011

He was a great football coach at Culver City High School in the late fifties. I met him again at the CCHS Football reunion. and he remember my name after fifty years. He will be missed.

John Drew

June 12, 2011

Admiral Roop succeeded because he helped others succeed. He was a great leader and always positive, upbeat.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results