Robert Frank Cone

Robert Frank Cone (known as "Spike" to many of his friends) was born on September 26, 1941, at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Adrian Jiles (AJ) and Caline (Bone) Cone. He joined his older sister, Louise, and together they later welcomed their younger sisters, Mary and Deborah.

A true child of Albuquerque, Robert grew up loving baseball, swimming, and cars. He attended Our Lady of Fatima School, serving as an altar boy, then the brand-new St. Pius High School before graduating from Sandia High School in 1960. During his high school years, Robert's father instructed him in electronics, while he worked at the family business - Cone Electric Supply Company, and developed skills that would guide his career.

Building on that foundation, Robert enlisted in the United States Navy in 1962 and served in the engineering spaces division on the USS Hollister with deployments in the South Pacific.

After completing his military service, Robert applied his electrical skills in the uranium mines near Grants, New Mexico, where he met and married Carol Jean Kuoppala. During their 14 years of marriage, they welcomed three children: Kerry Mark, Caline, and Christopher.

Robert joined PNM in 1970, first as an electrician in Farmington, and later returning to Albuquerque to work in power distribution. Robert retired in 2002, joining the ranks and friendship of other PNM retirees in the Forerunners Club.

Robert embraced life with enthusiasm. He loved skiing, biking, hiking, square dancing, round dancing, and clogging, and-above all-his dogs. He was a dedicated father and was immensely proud to see each of his children earn post graduate degrees from the University of New Mexico.

Robert volunteered with AARP as a tax preparer for seniors, drove for Meals on Wheels, and participated in the Discovery Tent at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. He travelled many miles in the Western US, in his short-bed pick-up truck beside his longtime friend Jane Hendley on their adventures. Back in town, he maintained a rich social life with friends at the Bear Canyon Senior Center.

In his twilight years, Robert was blessed with support from the Cold War Patriots, which greatly enhanced his quality of life.

Robert died peacefully in his home on February 27, 2026.

He is survived by his children, Kerry Mark Cone and his wife, Amy; Dr. Caline Cone and her husband, John Cochran; and Christopher Cone and his wife, Roya. He also leaves behind six grandchildren-Gabriel, Em, Nicolas, Lillian, Amelia, and Michael-all of whom brought him great joy.

Robert will be remembered for his work ethic, devotion to family, an uncanny ability to fix things, frugality, a great sense of humor, friendliness, vitality, and his doggedly positive attitude.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, 10:00 a.m., at Mount Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, 1900 Edith Blvd. NE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Friends of Bear Canyon Senior Center, the Animal Humane Society, Meals on Wheels, or a charity of your choice.