ROBERT GRADLE

GRADLE ROBERT EMERY GRADLE Robert Emery Gradle passed away on December 18, 2016. Bob was born in Hobart, Indiana on April 7, 1922, the eldest of Emma (Wyler) Gradle and George Gradle's three children. He graduated from Hobart High School in 1940. In 1943 he enlisted in the United States Army and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant the following year. On April 15, 1944, Bob married Shirley Roper, also from Hobart. Bob served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II and his commendations included the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Upon returning from the war, and with a degree in Business Administration from Indiana University, Bob began his distinguished career with the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T), ultimately retiring in 1985 as Executive Vice President for Government Communications. During his time with AT&T, Bob served as Vice President and General Manager of Bellcomm, which was responsible for the engineering of the communication systems for the Apollo Lunar Landing Program. Later, Bob's responsibilities included leadership of the Bell System's government communication programs and initiatives, and in this capacity he worked closely with a wide variety of federal military and civilian departments, bureaus, and agencies. Bob was a long-time member of the Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association (AFCEA) and served as the Chair of the AFCEA Board of Directors from 1977 to 1979. He was an inductee of the Officers Candidate School Hall of Fame, Fort Benning, Georgia. Bob was an active parishioner of the Chevy Chase United Methodist Church throughout his life. In retirement, Bob and Shirley volunteered for the National Park Service, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, Wyoming. Bob's survivors include his beloved wife Shirley; daughter Melinda Gradle Ward (Bill) and their sons Jonathan, Alexander (Kristina Lyhus Ward), and Gregory (Sarah Kaminski Ward), and Greg and Sarah's children (Bob's great-grandchildren) Ella, Dylan, and Gavin; son, Robert Cary Gradle (Joyce Rollow Gradle) and their daughter Katy; and son, Brian Gradle (Jennifer Reger Gradle) and their children Madeline, Jack and Luke. Celebration of life services will be held at the Chevy Chase United Methodist Church, 7001 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, on Saturday, April 8 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted by the Chevy Chase United Methodist Church.Celebration of life services will be held at the Chevy Chase United Methodist Church, 7001 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, on Saturday, April 8 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted by the Chevy Chase United Methodist Church.