Robert R. Carestia

As we bid farewell to Robert R. Carestia, we reflect on the impact he has had on each of our lives and the countless memories he leaves behind.

Robert was born to Ralph and Nancy Carestia on March 9th, 1964. Robert was welcomed by his sister, Cheryl, in Stuttgart, Germany. From then on, Robert was no stranger to adventure, having traversed continents and cultures from a young age. Growing up alongside Cheryl, they navigated the ever-changing landscapes of their childhood with curiosity. Their father's service in the Army meant that home was wherever the next deployment took them, instilling in Robert a sense of adaptability and resilience that would serve him well throughout his life.

In 1984, Robert and his parents moved to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Unbeknownst to Robert, his new neighbor, Christine ("Tina"), would become the love of his life. Robert married Tina on October 9th, 1993. Robert and Tina later welcomed their three children to the Carestia family: Brandon, Justin, and Alyssa. As a parent, Robert wanted the best for his children and ensured this by supporting their endeavors, teaching them math (whether they wanted the help or not), taking them on international trips, and making pancakes every Sunday morning.

In 2022, Robert and Tina made a huge step towards a lifelong dream: their very own piece of paradise, right on the beaches of Florida. It was on Merritt Island, in his dream home (yes, dream kitchen and dream bed included), spent with Tina, that he found peace.

But Robert's journey was not just about achieving the lifelong dream; it was having the opportunity to be surrounded by his friends and family. He had a gift for bringing people together, whether it was for a lively gathering in the basement over poker or a relaxing day at the beach with his wife and parents. Similar to his upbringing, Robert continued to travel for pleasure and favored Cinque Terre, Munich, Prague, and Tel Aviv. While at home, Robert pursued his passion for photography, collecting comics and coins, chasing his dogs, and rooting for Penn State Football and Wrestling.

Robert also prided himself on his education and career. Robert began his studies at Pennsylvania State University and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Robert then received a master's degree in Program Management from the Naval Postgraduate School. Robert then began a 31-year career at Aberdeen Proving Ground, dedicated to supporting the U.S. Soldiers, where he quickly excelled and traveled across the globe. His breadth of experience and knowledge landed him a position supporting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ("NATO") and later the Pentagon's COVID-19 Task Force. His dedication and work ethic on the Task Force earned Robert the Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal in 2021, granted by the Secretary of Defense.

Afterwards, Robert took a new role in Florida as a Program Manager, enabling him and Tina to be near his parents (and fulfill their dream of living by the water).

As we mourn the loss of Robert, let us also celebrate the indelible impression he has left on those around him. Robert's impressions will continue to live on in the dream home where his wife resides, the travels of his three children, the generosity of his parents, the joking nature and humor of his sister, and the clink of whiskey glasses of his friends while playing a game of poker.

Rest easy, Robert. Your journey may have come to an end, but the impression you left on those around you will live on in the stories we share and the lives we live with you in mind.

With love and remembrance.

"Forever by the beach, on an island, in a house on the lake."

Services to celebrate Robert's life will begin with a visitation at 9:00 AM on Friday, February 16th at Beach Funeral Home in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida. Starting at 11:00 AM there will be a Catholic Burial Mass at South Patrick Chapel in Satellite Beach, Florida. A reception in the Chapel Annex will immediately follow. In addition to flowers, contributions may be made in Robert's name to the Space Coast Honor Flight organization (www.spacecoasthonorflight.org).