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Robert Serling Obituary
SERLING ROBERT J. SERLING Was born in Cortland NY March 28, 1918 to Samuel and Esther Serling. He grew up in Binghamton along with his younger brother. He attended Antioch College in Ohio with a degree in English and thus began an amazing and illustrious career in journalism and aviation writing. He first served our country in WWII as an aircraft identification instructor. He then moved to Washington, D.C. and worked with United Press International for 23 years covering airline crashes and his favorite football team the Washington Redskins. While working there, he began his first novel "The Probable Cause". Robert published 25 fiction and non-fiction books in his lifetime including the New York Times bestseller "The President''s Plane is Missing". This best selling novel was turned into a made for TV movie. His last book was the history of Alaska Airlines "Character and Characters" published in 2008. He married Priscilla Arone in 1968. They had two children Jennifer and Jeffrey. The family moved to Tucson, AZ in 1981. After Priscilla''s passing in 2000, he married Patricia Hoyer in 2002. Other highlights of his career include co-writing the Twilight Zone episode "Odyssey of Flight 33" with his brother Rod. He also wrote two screen plays with John Travolta and an autobiography with astronaut Frank Borman. In 1976 he, as official time keeper, along with Arnold Palmer as pilot and two employees of LearJet, broke the world record for a private jet flying around the world. Robert, 92, passed on May 6, 2010, with his wife and children by his side. He is survived by his wife Patricia Hoyer. Children Jennifer Serling and Jeffrey (Michele) Serling and four grandsons. Caleb Serling, Robert Jeffrey Serling, Elliot Berard, and Andrew Serling. Memorial services will be held in Tucson, AZ. The family requests that remembrances made in Robert Serling''s name to the Seattle Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, WA 98108. www.museumofflight.org . Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY, Tucson, AZ. For detailed information about Robert''s life, please visit www.RobertSerling.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Serling
Jodi Suzanne Serling
May 3, 2022
Always remembering your love , support and guidance. You always made me laugh.miss you
Jodi Serling
May 3, 2020
Missing you Uncle Bob. I hope you are dancing the jig with my dad and having belly laughs. as you always did with family. You always had my moms back and mine . Love you. Your niece , Jodi
Giles Bixler
May 29, 2010
When I was 4-7 years old Bob told me wonderful stories about a heroic knight named Sir Giles. My mother, Norma, taught journalism at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and Bob was one of her favorite students. After the war, when Bob and his brother Rod (also an Antioch grad)were both in town, they organized us neighborhood kids (Antioch faculty children)into touch football games that are some of my funnest childhood memories. It was like being an honorary Redskin, going out for a pass from Bob.
Paul Monska
May 24, 2010
I met Bob some years ago in Ithaca, NY, when I was close to Jodi. His sense of humor and modesty were genuine traits that made him larger than life. He spoke fondly of his brother, Rod. Robert was clearly a literary force in his own way. Blessings to the family.
Jennifer Serling
May 22, 2010
I miss you Dad. I pick up the phone after work to call you and check on you and then remember I can't anymore. I hope you are with Mom and Rod and at peace again. I love you.
Mark Hawkins
May 22, 2010
Robert Serling lived up the street from me when I was a small boy in Bethesda Md. A kinder person I have never met. He was wonderful to me. He endured my frequent child like drop in visits with good humor & patience. He would spend time talking with me and never let on that I might be interupting him. Sometimes he would suggest I take my wagon and return the bottles to the store up the street for the deposit. A very cleaver move to send me on my way without hurting my feelings. At Christmas there was typically a large & wonderful present under the tree for me from this kind man. My father was not around. Mr Serling gave me the time and attention I so desperately wanted & needed. He made a profound impact on my life in a wonderful & special way. I will always remember him and be greatful for all his kindness.
Mark Hawkins, West Palm Beach , Florida
Connie Taksel Arnold
May 19, 2010
In the 1970s, and a teenage gal living in suburban Maryland, I met a guy who lent me a book he really liked titled "The Left Seat". We were 15 years old and had met in the Civil Air Patrol, so we had a common interest in aviation, and he was right - loved the book. That young man - Chuck - became my best friend, which he still is. My parents, both aviation writers, knew Bob, and arranged for me to meet him. As a surprise, I took Chuck to meet Bob, but didn't tell him where we were going until we arrived at the Serling's home. Bob generously shared stories and experiences he had used in his writing. A wonderful memory was made, and to this day, Chuck and I carry on the tradition of secretly exchanging a domino, as did the main characters in "The Left Seat", a tradition we started 35 years ago. Thanks, Bob - you gave us the foundation of a friendship that has lasted a lifetime.
Maureen McKeel Swaney
May 19, 2010
As a former WAL flight attendant and good friend of Priscilla I knew Bob well and have treasured the friendship. My first meeting with Bob was in Washington DC at an ALPA safety convention - he took several of us over to his house (single digs) in Bethesda and that is a whole 'nother story! My last visit with Bob was in Seattle while he was writing the Boeing book.....he came to my house and when asked what he would like for dinner, he responded, "A BIG pastrami sandwich." I have all the books (signed) which are so very special, many photos and most importantly a wonderful memory of Robert J. Serling and feel so very honored to have been his friend. He will be missed and my heartfelt sympathy to the family for their loss.
John Kelly
May 16, 2010
Patty & Family -
I first learned of Bob and his great talent when he wrote Maverick, the story of Continental Airlines, where I was then working. Many years later, it was a pleasure to meet Bob and subsequently engage him to write the Alaska Airlines story. Through that process, my admiration for him grew even greater, and I was privileged to get to know him well over the ensuing years and learn about the depth of his knowledge, insight, and love of the world of aviation. In addition to being a great writer, Bob was a master raconteur, and had a wonderful sense of humor, with a joke always at hand. Maggi and I were saying the other day that, even with him gone, we could still "see" the twinkle in his eyes and the smile on his face as we told stories together, laughed, and enjoyed a glass of red wine. His with ice cubes in it, of course. He always loved being "up there", and now he most certainly is. Thanks for the memories, Bob, and God Bless to you, Patty, and your wonderful family.
Sincerely,
John & Maggi Kelly
kris simpson-murphy
May 15, 2010
i know you must have been a great man although i never had the pleasure to meet you. jodi and i have been friends since jr. high school and i will remember fondly the love and respect she held in her heart for you thru the stories she shared with us over the years. may you soar on angels wings now.
kris simpson-murphy wisconsin
Jerry Brownfield
May 15, 2010
I met Bob and Priscilla in 1982 through my sister Patty who became Bob's wife after Priscilla's passing. I knew from the outset that Bob and I would be great friends as we had a number of things in common such as journalism and gadgets. I will miss Bob a great deal.
Mike Talarski
May 15, 2010
Patty,Jen and Jeff,
I am very sorry for your loss. Bob is Jodi's uncle but I feel he was mine to.
I enjoyed spending time with him. He had many stories to tell and jokes to share. When I am on Carol's roof this summer,I will be looking for him to come down the drive. He truly will be missed.
Ray Lehmer
May 14, 2010
Can't help but think Bob is somewhere rattling around in an old Ford Tri-Moter or playing kick the can with brother Rod down some dusty country road. I'll keep the Merlot chilled. Ray
Carol Tapia
May 13, 2010
Bob's passing is truly the end of an era. Patty, you were such a joy to him and I am so sorry for your loss as well for his children. I am so glad to have seen him last summer, with his beloved Sister-In-Law Carol and Niece Jodi who he adored. He had a sense of humor like no other and I could listen to his stories forever. He may have been short of stature, but he left a giant mark on the world and those who loved him.
Kiki Jones
May 12, 2010
I know Bob best through Jodi, whom I have been friends with since we were 4 years old. This is such a sad passing. I feel privileged to have been along for at least a little bit of the journey.
Sandee Baker
May 12, 2010
A favorite highlight of my Boeing career was working with Bob on his book commemorating the company's 75 year milestone, 'Legend and Legacy: The Story of Boeing and Its People'. He made friends throughout the Pacific Northwest, his humor was contagious and his style endearing, and he leaves us with many fond memories spent in his ever delightful company. Bob's own legacy will live on in our hearts and laughter.
Timothy Forbes
May 12, 2010
Mr. Serling, I never had the chance to meet you in person, but know you were a very important man in your own right, and a very interesting one, too! You knew my grandfather and his sister when growing up in Binghamton, and they spoke of your family.
God be with you and your family!!
Dayle-Ann Vandermark
May 11, 2010
I am very sorry for your loss. I was very honored to meet Mr. Serling at a book signing. His writing is incredible.
RIP
May 10, 2010
Zelda,
I'm very sorry for your loss. I'm so happy I got to meet this wonderful, warm and creative man. I'm thinking of you, dear pal. Love, Linda
gretchen dalzell
May 10, 2010
Dear Patty.
How much Tom and I value the time we spent with you and Bob at Christmas time in Phoenix...he was a special person and very interesting to know. I know you will miss him very much.
Love, Tom and Gretchen
Dave Eversole
May 10, 2010
RIP. Your work gave me hours of reading pleasure and thought.
Jodi Serling
May 10, 2010
My Uncle, my friend I can not express in words how much you will be missed by so many. Your kindness and humanity moved everyone who had the opportunity of knowing you. You can now rest in peace and embrace your brother, my dad and please know that I love you so much. Although you were small in statue, You were a giant. Love you my friend.
Jodi Serling
May 10, 2010
My uncle and my friend you will be truly missed. You touched so many people's lives and your kindness and humanity moved everyone who had the opportunity of knowing you, Perhaps you are up in heaven embracing your brother, my dad. Please know we all love and miss you. Although you were small in statue you were a giant. God be with you- I love you. Jodi Serling
Geoff Stone
May 10, 2010
With our love to you, Jeff and your families. We adored Bob (as well as Priscilla) and miss both of them.
Geoff and Virginia Stone
Richmond, VA
Michael Adkins
May 9, 2010
Although I did not know Mr. Serling personally, I have heard him speak and have read a number of his books. He was a talented writer and speaker, and one of the most knowledgeable historians of aviation. I was saddened to hear of his passing.
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