Robert Clarence Gaskill Sr

Maj. Gen. (Ret) Robert C. Gaskill, Sr.
Major General (Ret) Robert C. Gaskill, Sr. of Woodbridge, VA, peacefully departed this world and transitioned into heaven on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at the age of 93. His life journey began in Yonkers, New York on April 12, 1931. He was the son of the late John Clement Gaskill and Armania Drucilla Jones Gaskill. Robert was a devoted husband of over 50 years to the late Erotida ("Lillian") Ponce Gaskill (d. 2009), and together they raised four children.
At an early age, Robert and his family moved to Arlington, VA. He attended public schools in Arlington and Washington, D.C., and regularly attended Lomax A.M.E. Zion Church in Arlington. Robert grew up to be a God-fearing man of faith, integrity, good taste and a generous heart. He modeled servant-leadership with a spirit of excellence. He loved his family and his country. He was an avid reader, liked bowling, and loved attending cultural and fine arts events.
MG (Ret) Gaskill graduated with a B.A. in business administration from Howard University while active in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). He earned his M.B.A. from George Washington University. In addition, he completed the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
MG (Ret) Gaskill, a distinguished career U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps officer of 29 years, served our country exceptionally well during the Korean and Vietnam wars, and in peaceful times. With exemplary leadership he commanded posts at several military locations in the USA and overseas. In successive years at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA, MG (Ret) Gaskill was a student, on the faculty, and Deputy Commandant. His military awards include the U.S. Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.
He was the first Black Army officer as Commander of Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA; as Commandant of the 1st Support Brigade in Kaiserslautern, Germany; as Deputy Commandant at the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, PA; and as Deputy Director of Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) then located at Cameron Station in Alexandria, VA.
After retirement from the military, MG (Ret) Gaskill, taught business and public administration courses for 20 years as adjunct faculty at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). He was also actively involved in Covenant Presbyterian Church, Woodbridge, VA, in community service organizations, and a dedicated mentor to ROTC cadets at Howard University. He served as a counselor for the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) in Prince William County. He was a long-term member of the ROCKS, Inc, a majority African-American non-profit military officers' organization that serves to mentor, provide career development and social interactions for its members. His accomplished legacy continues among the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps Hall of Fame at Ft. Gregg-Adams (formerly Ft. Lee), VA; the Defense Logistics Agency Hall of Fame; the U.S. Army ROTC National Hall of Fame; as a U.S. Army War College Outstanding Alum; and as a ROCKS, Inc. Outstanding Service Award recipient (2001).
He is survived by sister-in-law Jane Gaskill. Robert was pre-deceased by his six siblings: Edith Dawson, Drucilla Elizabeth Gaskill, John C. Gaskill, Jr., Alease Vaughn, James T. Gaskill, and Warren H. Gaskill.
He was a loved, dedicated and honorable father to his four children who survive: Robert C. Gaskill, Jr. (Linda), Vivienne R. Porter, Juli A. Henderson (James), and Cheryl L. Foster (Marlon). He was the beloved grandfather of a dozen grandchildren: Lonni, Jessica, Rachel, Eliotte, Avis, Julian, Ariel, James, Moriah, Brittany, Victoria and Robert. A wealth of nieces, nephews, great grandchildren and other relatives were a cherished part of his life. He also leaves behind a beloved friend, Ms. Shirley Bryant.
Visitation (10:00 am – 11:00 am) and the Celebration of Life Service (11:00 am – 12:00 pm) will be held at Dale City Christian Church, 14022 Lindendale Rd, Dale City, VA 22193 on Saturday, July 13, 2024. Arrangements are by Ames Funeral Home, Manassas, VA.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Howard University, the ROCKS Inc., or ACTS (Action in Community Through Service, Prince William County).