ROBERT V. GILDEA

GILDEA ROBERT V. GILDEA "Bob" Robert V. "Bob" Gildea, retired United States Foreign Service Officer, died at his home in Arlington, Virginia, on November 25, 2013, following a prolonged battle with Parkinson's disease and related complications. He was 91 years old. His wife and friends were at his side when he died. Born on April 28, 1922, in Coaldale, Pennsylvania, he was the son of former Congressman and newspaper publisher, James H. Gildea. During the Second World War, Bob flew combat missions with the U. S. Army Air Corps' 100th Bomb Group, based in England, and later served with U. S. forces in Europe. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1948 and worked for several years as a reporter for local newspapers in Pennsylvania. He joined the United States Information Agency in 1954, managing United States government public information programs in Southeast Asian trouble spots during the Viet-Nam War. He later supported German-American cultural relations from several locations in Germany and in Washington. Recognizing the importance of these contributions, the government of the Federal Republic of Germany awarded Bob a distinguished service medal on April 22, 1985. Among his former colleagues, he had many close friends who regret his passing. No matter how difficult the circumstances, Bob enjoyed life. His good humor and spirit of fun helped us face our own problems, and enriched our lives. Everyone who knew Bob will miss him. He is survived by his wife, Kim Gildea of Arlington, a daughter from an earlier marriage, two stepchildren, five grandchildren, an older brother and sister, a younger brother, and numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing at MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, Friday, November 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Bob at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, Arlington, VA Saturday, November 30 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow shortly thereafter at Columbia Gardens in Arlington. The family would welcome donations in Bob's name to Capital Caring, 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church, Virginia, 22042. Viewing at MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, Friday, November 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Bob at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, Arlington, VA Saturday, November 30 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow shortly thereafter at Columbia Gardens in Arlington. The family would welcome donations in Bob's name to Capital Caring, 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church, Virginia, 22042.