Robert J. "Bob" Ware Jr.

Robert J. "Bob" Ware, Jr. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 79 years old. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert J. Ware, Sr. and Louise Beritiech Ware and his brother, Russell D. Ware. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Nellie Caruso Ware, his brother, Michael Ware, his sister, Diane Martin (Mike), his sister-in-law, Angela Grahn and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

With over 32 years of combined federal service, Bob's career was defined by an elite level of expertise in domestic and international security, investigations, and counter-terrorism.

Bob's journey through the ranks of federal law enforcement was nothing short of cinematic. He was known as Border Bob and affectionately called BWARE. During a 28-year career in federal law enforcement, Bob conducted and directed some of the nation's most complex civil and criminal investigations. His expertise was recognized early on when he was selected as one of only fifteen agents by the U.S. Customs Service to serve as a Federal Air Marshal under a Presidential Multi-Agency Anti-Terrorism Task Force. This role took him across the globe-from the bustling terminals of JFK and Newark to the international hubs of Oslo, Stockholm, Luxembourg, and Karachi-performing global risk management and mitigating terrorist threats long before the modern era of aviation security.

Bob's leadership extended deep into the Gulf Coast and beyond. As a Resident Agent in Charge, he managed vast jurisdictions covering Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Louisiana. Whether directing high-stakes investigations into international drug smuggling and money laundering or overseeing maritime security operations for the ports of New Orleans and Mobile, Bob was a steady hand in the face of danger. His efforts resulted in the seizure of millions of dollars in illicit assets and the dismantling of international narcotics networks.

In 2004, Bob took his expertise to the global stage as the Senior Export Control and Border Security Advisor in Almaty, Kazakhstan. As a senior diplomat, he was instrumental in building the legal and physical frameworks for Kazakhstan's border security, facilitating international cooperation, and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Beyond the badge, Bob was a man of deep historical roots and community spirit. A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps (Force Reconnaissance Reserves) and the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves, he carried the values of "Semper Fidelis" into every facet of life. He was a devoted leader in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as Council Commissioner and receiving the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. Bob was a 3rd and 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Bob's hobby was Genealogy which he was very passionate about. As soon as he met you he immediately offered to do your family tree. He completed hundreds of ancestry trees and took great pride in binding books for each family. His love for history and lineage was reflected in his memberships with the Sons of the American Revolution, the Sons of Union Veterans, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He said researching kept his mind sharp.

With great gratitude we thank the following, Ochsner Home Health, Home Instead, Egan Hospice. The strong and reliable firefighters at St. Tammany District 13, Goodbee Station. A heartfelt thanks and love to Denise and Zatavia, whose dedicated care allowed Bob to remain comfortably at home. You were his "Angels".

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Boy Scouts Istrouma Area Council at https://istroumascouting.org/donate.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 10:30 am at E J Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 West 21st Avenue, Covington, LA and the visitation will begin at 9:00 am until service time. Burial will follow at 12:30 pm in the Southeast Louisiana Veterans cemetery in Slidell, LA with full military honors.