Forrest Robert Hanvey Jr.

1933 - 2024

Forrest Robert "Bob" Hanvey Jr., 91, died on 4 December 2024. Born in San Diego, CA, in 1933, Bob attended the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad, CA. He declined his first Naval Academy appointment to go to Caltech. After a year there, he reapplied and successfully received a second USNA appointment, joining the Class of 1957. At Annapolis, he played on the tennis team and sang in the chorus. On graduation, he stood first in the class as the honors graduate. Commissioned into the Air Force, Bob was sent to MIT for a master's degree in aerospace engineering. He then was assigned to Holloman AFB, NM, where he did pioneering work on inertial guidance technology. He did rocket-sled testing and developed inertial guidance systems for missiles. He received a special Air Force commendation for his innovative work, which helped prove, through testing, the stellar-aided inertial guidance concept employed in the U.S. Navy's first line of defense. After leaving active duty, Bob joined Western Union, leading the team developing their first programmable line interface. After serving as VP of Systems Engineering at Western Union, he then joined Citicorp as VP of Communications Systems. He also was school board chair for the Upper Saddle River School District in New Jersey. Retiring to Southern Maryland to become a "retired country gentleman" and raise Paulownia trees, he established a forestry program, conservation practices and a wildlife preservation program on the family farm. Named a Calvert County Farmer of the Year, he was persuaded to become a teacher at the local career center, creating and teaching a popular course in computer assisted design. Later, he was named Teacher of the Year and served as president of the teacher's union. He was an avid reader, singer and all around "rascal," beloved by the many friends that were drawn to his sunny inquisitive disposition. He greeted everyone who asked how he was, even in his last days, with "bright eyed and bushy tailed." Survivors include his beloved wife of 19 years, Dr. Sylvia Auton; children, Forrest Robert Hanvey III (Gennyfer), Monnett Soldo (David) and Dr. Jacqueline Hines (Andrew); stepdaughter, Dr. Alyson Russo (Nicholas); and many grand and step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Suzanne, and their son, Dennis. Private burial will be in Prince Frederick, MD. A Celebration of Life will be planned for later. Donations may be sent to the Naval Academy Foundation, attn: Class of 1957 Fellowship.