ROBERT B. EAKIN

Robert B. Eakin Robert B. Eakin, 95, died May 8th, 2015, at his home in Bayonne, NJ. He was born in Bon Accord, Alberta, Canada to American parents. At age 18, Robert immigrated to America specifically to enlist in the United States Navy. Robert, or "Pop" as he affectionately came to be called by friends and family alike, was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii aboard the U.S.S. Pelias, a Griffin-class submarine tender, on the infamous morning of December 7th, 1941. He valiantly defended his nation against the aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy, manning one of the Pelias' four .50 caliber machine guns in response to the deadly attack. However, despite the harsh realities of war in the Pacific, Robert managed to forge a lifelong bond of love and companionship with Francesca E. Massano of Jersey City, New Jersey, also serving in the Navy at Pearl Harbor as a member of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). They were married on the base at Pearl Harbor, and the happiness they drew from the love of one another lasted a lifetime. Robert continued to serve in the United States Navy for twenty years; upon his retirement, he served ten additional years as a Naval Reservist. Crossing the Equator seemed commonplace to him, as he toured the world for nearly three decades. During his 30-year career in the Navy, the adventures he took part in would become cherished stories that his family and friends adored hearing. Pop loved his Yankees and his Giants, a hot cup of coffee in the morning and an ice-cold beer at dinner, and visiting his great friends at Cafe Talya. He loved being around his family, listening to the stories of the week at Friday's regular pizza dinner, gruffly yet gently imparting wisdom and humor. In return, his family treasured him beyond words. He was the beloved husband of the late Francesca E. Massano, and brother to the late Jeri Murfitt. He was the devoted father of Robert J. Eakin and his wife Kay, Phyllis D. Eakin and Peggy Cestaro, the loving grandfather of Christine Tallone and her husband Joseph, Damian J. Cestaro, Nicholas A. Eakin, Jesse J. Cestaro and his wife Denise, and he was the revered great-grandfather of Francesca and Lucas Tallone. He is survived by these, as well as many nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed by all those whose lives he touched. God rest his soul. Viewing for Robert "Pop" Eakin will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at G. Keenen O'Brien Funeral Home in Bayonne, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Joyce-Herbert V.F.W. Post 226 in Bayonne, NJ. Arrangements by: G. Keenen O'Brien Funeral Home 984 Avenue c bayonne (201) 339-0220 G Keenen O'Brien Funeral Home 984 AVENUE C BAYONNE , NJ 07002 (201) 339-0220