Robert John Stortstrom

Two weeks after suffering an unexpected health emergency, Robert (Bob) Stortstrom passed away on February 2, 2026 at Moses Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, NC.

The second of four siblings, Bob graduated Salutatorian in his 1973 class at Wheaton HS in Wheaton, MD. His academic credentials and aptitude in math gained him acceptance into the highly selective Webb Institute of Naval Architecture on Long Island where he earned his BS in both Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in 1977.

Bob began his career at the Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA) in Wash, DC where he had interned during his undergraduate years. While there he was offered the opportunity to continue his education at MIT, earning an MS in Engineering in 1980. At NAVSEA, Bob worked in hull design, capping his career in Submarine Concept Design. After retiring from NAVSEA in June 2012, Bob worked for Orbis as a consultant to NAVSEA from 2012 – 2016.

While living in Olney, MD Bob was a member and volunteer at Oakdale Emory United Methodist Church. After retiring to Fredericksburg, VA, he volunteered to tutor young school students. Energetic and handy, Bob was quick to help friends and family with DYI projects. He will be remembered as a humble man, who enjoyed his family and the friendships formed in school, playing Rec League softball, poker night card games, volunteering, and the devoted friends he made in High Point over the past several years.

Bob is preceded in death by his father, Ralph Ernest who died in 1990, and his mother Carmen Mary (nee: Mallia), who died in 2015.

Bob is survived by his wife Qing Ying Yu of High Point, NC; his previous wife Karen Stortstrom of Pinellas Park, FL, and their daughters Rebecca Stortstrom (Jason Boyd) of St. Petersburg, FL, Mary Stortstrom (Seamus McNamara) of Silver Spring, MD; granddaughter Austin Caroline Boyd; siblings Greg Stortstrom (Marilyn) of Germantown, MD; Peggy Rendely (Robert) of Southern Pines, NC; Carolyn Chase (Eric) of Vonore, TN; and, several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Webb Institute of Naval Architecture:

Webb Institute

298 Crescent Beach Road

Glen Cove, NY 11542

Attn: Development

Cumby Family Funeral Service of High Point is honored to serve the Stortstrom family at this time.