Robert Tyrrell

1927 - 2023

Robert Harry Tyrrell, Age 96, of Woodbridge, Va., passed away, June 22,2023. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Graves Tyrrell. Robert was a lifelong resident of Prince William County. Started his path of being an entrepreneur at the young age of 14 by driving a truck to Washington, DC to collect left over food scraps from restaurants and haul it back to Woodbridge to feed his grandfather's hogs. He attended Occoquan High School leaving at 17 to join the US Navy. He served from 1942-1944 in the Seventh Fleet, mostly in the South Pacific. He was stationed at a PT boat base in the Philippines where he worked on boat engines. While on duty there, he would take the boats out and make sure the engines and equipment were working well enough to go into battle. While there, he and his team were given the nick name "CTO Reef Riders". When he was discharged in Norfolk, he took off his Navy uniform, put on his coveralls and went back to work on the farm. Robert was in business for many years, raising cattle and hogs with his grandfather and uncle. Later, in the 1950's, Robert and another uncle went into business building Custom Homes in the fast-developing Woodbridge area. In 1950, Robert took an agriculture class offered to WWII Veterans, and he and his four classmates wanted to do something to stay in touch. So, the five friends formed the Veterans Farm Club in Manassas, VA. The club decided to start planning a fair to be held August 31, 1950. From that day forward the PWC Fair was enjoyed for 70 years. Robert was an active member for all 70 years. In 1972, The Tyrrells decided to start a marina on property Robert owned on Occoquan Bay. He put down his hammer and started driving heavy equipment to build the marina. He ran the forklift for the boat storage until he turned 70. The symbol on the building represents the sky, sand, water, and time. It also describes the feeling of the Tyrrells to preserve and respect the river and its cycle of life but enjoy it at the same time. As if Robert was not busy enough, he purchased a small farm outside of PWC in Thornburg. He traveled down 95 every Tuesday to enjoy his farm, known as Deep Hole Farm. Returning to his farming days, he raised cows, rode horses, bought goats, chickens, Llamas, and of course pigs. All the animals were a delight to the grandchildren which he loved. There were times in the summer he would come to the marina, open the back of his truck and hand out fresh vegetables from his garden. Robert "Bob" met and married the girl next door, Frances. They were married on December 20, 1947. They began their life together in Woodbridge and raised their children, Jeffrey, Stephen, Julie and Randolph. Robert was born April 17, 1927, son of the late Harry Ashby Tyrrell and Julia Davis Tyrrell. Preceded in death was his brother Donald Ashby Tyrrell. He is survived by his three sons, Jeffrey L. Tyrrell (Barbara), Stephen D. Tyrrell (Pamela), Randolph H. Tyrrell (Lisa) and one daughter Julie T. Mahan (Bill) all living in Woodbridge. Seven grandchildren, Lindsay M. Kelsey (Todd), Kyle W. Mahan (Angie), Chad S. Tyrrell (Brittany), Colin D. Tyrrell (Lauren), Cameron H. Tyrrell (Victoria), Jeremy McCloud (Amanda), Conner R. Tyrrell. Nine Great Grandchildren, Makenzie J. Kelsey, Ella M. Kelsey, Cole W. Mahan, Emery A. Mahan, Harper L. Tyrrell, Derrick McCloud, Kelsey McCloud, Isla R. Tyrrell, Graycen R. Tyrrell. The family would like to also mention the outstanding employees and customers who have adopted our father as their Papa, Mr. T. He enjoyed his farm in Thornburg and going to the marina in his later years. Seeing the boats being put in and out of the water was great entertainment for him. He was a wonderful friend who wore a lot of hats along with many different names, Robert, Bob, Son, Brother, Uncle, Daddy, Papa, Pops, Mr. T, but his favorite was Great Papa. Visitation with the family will be July 17, Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home and Crematory 4143 Dale Blvd, Dale City, Woodbridge, VA 22191 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A private burial will take place at Quantico Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sentara Hospital 2300 Opitz Blvd Woodbridge, VA 22191