Robert John Habel Sr.

Robert John Habel Sr, 85 of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Born on July 10, 1940, in Severn, MD he was a son of the late Catherine Habel (Shenton) and John Habel.

Robert began his military service on August 5, 1963, when he enlisted in the Army National Guard as a Private (PVT) E-1. Over the course of his six years of honorable service, Robert rose to the rank of Sergeant (SGT) E-5, eventually serving as the Squad Leader - a testament to his leadership, discipline, and commitment to his fellow soldiers.

Following his military service, Robert embarked on a distinguished 35-year civilian career with the National Security Agency (NSA), where he worked as an analyst from July 1963 until his retirement in July 1988. HIs dedication to national service extended beyond the battlefield and into the vital realm of intelligence and security.

Robert’s life was rich with community involvement and personal passions. He was a dedicated coin collector, and for many years served as President of the NSA Coin Club, where he shared his enthusiasm with fellow collectors. He was also a loyal member of the Moose Lodge No. 1456 in Glen Burnie, Maryland, and an active leader in the American Legion Howard L. Turner Post 276 in Severn, Maryland, where he served as Commander (2001-2002) and later as Post Historian. He also enjoyed collecting Lionel trains and setting up train gardens for his children and grandchildren to enjoy. Other interests included gardening, duckpin bowling, and watching NASCAR racing and Baltimore Ravens football and Orioles baseball. More than anything, he loved attending his grandchildren's school activities and sports.

Beyond his professional and military achievements, Robert’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He married his beloved wife, Rosemarie Teresa Varette, on November 10, 1962, and they shared 62 wonderful years together. Robert is survived by his wife, Rosemarie Habel; Daughter, Michele Harber and husband, Craig; Son, Robert John Habel Jr; Grandchildren, Jennifer Stephens, Zachary Harber, Carley Habel, and Nicolas Habel; Great-grandson, Sunny Stephens Ross; and his grand dog, a lovable French Bulldog named Buster.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, John and Catherine Habel; and sisters, Catherine Martin and Roberta Thompson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Charleston Animal Society.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mount Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-884-3833.