Robert Ernest "boB" Metts

Robert "boB" E. Metts, 68, of McDonald, PA, passed away on November 11, 2025, after a courageous two-year battle with bone marrow cancer.

Born on August 10, 1957, in Derry, New Hampshire, boB was the son of the late Ernest M. and Helen M. (Scott) Metts. He was a proud graduate of Pinkerton Academy, Class of 1975. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy under the delayed entry program, beginning a distinguished career of military and medical service.

As a Surface Sonar Technician (STG), boB served aboard the USS Holder (DD-819), USS Edson (DD-946), and USS Vogelgesang (DD-862), all stationed out of Newport, Rhode Island. After completing his initial enlistment in 1980, he attended the University of Connecticut in Storrs under the GI Bill, earning his undergraduate degree in 1985.

In the fall of 1985, boB entered the University of Connecticut's John Dempsey School of Medicine in Farmington with a Uniformed Services scholarship, graduating in 1989. He reentered the Navy as a Lieutenant and completed his internship at Naval Hospital Portsmouth. Preselected for an Orthopaedic Residency to begin in 1992, he first served as Ship's Medical Officer aboard USS Saipan (LHA-2), including deployment off the coast of Liberia during Operation Sharp Edge.

From 1992 to 1996, boB completed his Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at Naval Hospital Portsmouth. His subsequent assignments included Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay (1996–1997), Naval Ambulatory Care Center Newport, RI (1997–1998), and later Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, where he served as Staff Orthopaedic Surgeon and Department Head of the Musculoskeletal Service.

During his naval career, boB deployed in support of several major operations, including Joint Task Force-160 at Guantanamo Bay (2002), humanitarian efforts in Haiti (2004), and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2005). He retired from the U.S. Navy in April 2006 with the rank of Commander, after 24 years of combined service.

Following his military retirement, boB continued to practice orthopaedic surgery until 2019, when he fully retired to spend time with his family.

boB is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Laurie (St. Denis) Metts; his son Geoff and daughter-in-law Nikki Metts; his daughter Sarah Metts; and his cherished grandchildren Brenna Repko (Jake Kingsley), Lydia Repko, Alana, Adalyn, and Amelia Metts. He also leaves behind great-grandsons Holden and Reid Kingsley; his brother Rick (Sue) Metts; sister Kitty Callender; sister-in-law Kathi (Matt); brother-in-law Bobby (Kim); and several nieces and nephews.

boB will be remembered for his deep devotion to his family, making memories and laughing every day, his steadfast service to his country, and his compassion and dedication as a physician. His strength, humor, and unwavering integrity touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, at boB's request, donations may be made to Special Operations Warrior Foundations http://specialops.org or to any organization of your choice that assists active duty service members, retirees, veterans, and their families.

boB will be privately interred with Military Honors at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. There will be no calling hours, and the interment will be private.