ROBERT MINK

MINK Captain Robert Owen Mink (U.S.N. - Retired), 91, died peacefully of heart failure on June 2, 2012 at Community Hospice of N.E. Florida, McGraw Center. He was surrounded by family and close friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Frances, in 2006 after 60 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his parents, Captain and Mrs. Owen Joseph Mink (U.S.N. - Medical Corps) and both of his sisters, Mary Mink Lewis and Margaret Mink Tighe Anderson. Born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands on May 4, 1921, Captain Mink was the second of three children, growing up on Navy bases throughout the world. He attended Stanton Military Academy, Columbian Preparatory School and later the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in the class of 1943. His love for the Navy and the opportunity to serve enriched his life. Throughout his more than 30 year career, Captain Mink's assignments included both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres during World War II. Some of his other duty stations included teaching in the Dept. of Seamanship & Navigation at the U.S.N.A. in Annapolis, MD, attending the Naval War College in Newport, RI, command of the destroyer U.S.S. Mansfield, followed by a tour at the Pentagon in Naval Communications. Later assignments included Operations Officer on DES FLOT ONE Staff in Yokosuka, Japan, U.S. Naval Reserve Training Officer at Stanford University, command of the M.S.T.S. U.S.S. Mitchell home ported in Oakland, CA, and CINC PAC Staff Chief Evaluation Officer in Honolulu, HI. His final tour of duty was as Marine Director for the Panama Canal. Captain Mink retired on July 1, 1972 to St. Simons Island, GA where he and his wife, Fran, lived for 18 years before moving to Fleet Landing in Atlantic Beach, FL. Captain Mink of Atlantic Beach, had been a resident of Fleet Landing for nearly 22 years. He volunteered for many activities during his years there, sharing his time and talent with many in the community. A long and avid student of history, he was particularly interested in the American Civil War and World War II. His love of travel, culture, and people fascinated him throughout his life. He was also a lifelong sports enthusiast, both as a participant and as a spectator. He is survived by his son, Robert O. Mink, Jr., of Gainesville, FL and his daughter, Margo Elizabeth Mink of Memphis, TN. In addition to his children, Capt. Mink is survived by four nephews, three nieces, one great-nephew, two great-nieces, five great-great nephews and many close relatives and friends. Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at 1:30 p.m. at Fleet Landing on June 27, 2012. He will be interred at the U.S.N.A. Columbarium, in Annapolis, MD with his wife. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Community Hospice of N.E. Florida or to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 1701 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach 904-249-2374 Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com