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Robert J. Whitcomb

Robert Whitcomb Obituary

Family-Placed Obituary

ROBERT J. WHITCOMB "Bob" Age 56, of West Palm Beach, FL, formerly of Uncasville, CT, passed away December 25, 2009 at the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Elaine; three children, Jessica Haislip (Alex) of Washington, DC, Angela Whitcomb-Staley and Robert Jr. of West Palm Beach; grandson, Jaiden Staley; sister, Patricia Harrison (Billy) also survived by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews; predeceased by parents Robert W. and Janet Whitcomb. A private memorial service was held December 31, 2009 at Del Lago Chapel, Lake Worth, FL. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made payable to: VAMC-West Palm Beach, Attn: Voluntary Service, Earmark GPF-8024, 7305 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33410 For more information, call 561.422.7373. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries

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Published by The Palm Beach Post on Jan. 5, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Whitcomb

40 Entries

January 3, 2011

It doesn't matter that it's been over a year since you've been gone ... you're thought about a lot and there's lots of things that come up and I think "I'd be talking to Bob about this", especially the weather. You liked to ask me how cold it was up here. I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jess Whitcomb-Haislip

September 11, 2010

Happy Birthday, Daddy! I miss you. I love you.

Patti

September 10, 2010

It's almost your birthday – 57 years ago you made our parents very happy! Then you did what brothers do and "tortured" me for years, including calling me "Crumb Critter" my whole life! Then you grew up and became a very proud dad! How we wish you were still here so we could call and wish you a happy birthday. We only had you for 56 short years. :( If I could have 1 wish, I’d wish you were here, because when you left, many hearts cried - and still do. I love you!

Jess Whitcomb

August 5, 2010

I miss you so much, Dad.

Tyler Turner

June 28, 2010

Just thought id say i miss you bud! Hope all is well and your enjoying yourself up there!

March 2, 2010

Today I saw your headstone. I wanted to see it and am glad I have the pictures, but I didn't know how painful it would be, all over again. Seeing your name on a headstone .... I keep going back to how unfair this all is, how you should be here with the ones you loved - the ones that made your life so happy, the ones that were happy being with you. You would be proud of your kids. I miss you and love you so much.

Jessica Whitcomb-Haislip

February 26, 2010

Dad, I miss you every day. All the memories and all the songs on the radio. I can hear you singing. I can see you playing your guitar and hear us both singing. This isn't getting better day-by-day. I still need you here. I love you, Jess

I love you, Dad! 2001

February 11, 2010

Father Daughter Dance 2001

February 11, 2010

Bob Walks Jess Down the Aisle 2001

February 11, 2010

John Gross

January 25, 2010

Dear Elaine,I only knew "Wires" for a short time while on the Stoney J. He knew how to keep a steady hand to keep a steady boat. And on those long mid watches he always had something to keep us interested.
You will be missed Wires, take her down and take her deep.

belkis correal

January 15, 2010

Jess my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
love you, Belkis

Jess Whitcomb-Haislip

January 13, 2010

Dad,

I had a dream last night that you came back. You were still sick, but you had an opportunity to spend more time here. When I woke up and realized it was just a dream I wished myself back to sleep so that I could continue to be with you. It actually worked and the same dream continued, but then I woke up and the dream was so far away. I miss you so much and I wish you could come back so I could tell you all the things I never got to say.

I love you,
"Chief"

Tyler Turner

January 11, 2010

Dear Bob,

I saw you almost every single day. We grew Close. Its crazy that your gone because you were so strong. I miss you around here. But don't worry we are making you proud at the shop!

Thomas Hinkel

January 10, 2010

Elaine and Family sorry to hear of the loss of a good friend and shipmate. Our prayers are with you.

Bill Blanchard (Hands)

January 10, 2010

Dear Elaine,

I received the news today about your husband Bob. Although it has been many years since I have had the pleasure of enjoying Wires humor and friendship on board the USS Stonewall Jackson, I was deeply saddend. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.
Rest in eternal peace my friend...

Bud Turner

January 9, 2010

On Eternal Patrol...

When submariners leave this life, they are said to be "On Eternal Patrol," as are those WWII submariners that never came back. Bob, you have been relieved, I now have your watch station...

I was on the commissioning crew of the Stonewall Jackson SSBN634 Gold, and although we were on the same submarine, we served at different times. It doesn't make any difference, for once you are a qualified submariner, you are a permanent member of this extended family.

Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your loved one. I, along with the rest of the submarine family, share your grief. It is the least we can do.

Davie Mapes

January 9, 2010

Elaine and Family,
May you find comfort and solace at this time in the arms of Jesus Christ, God's Son, given to men for their salvation and eternal joy. My hopes are that my friend Bob (Wires) is now receiving the blessedness that only Jesus can give. I will always remember Bob's face as he told us of another successful sound wiring job that he did for one of our shipmates on the Stoney J, 634. Our prayers are for all of you as you grieve at this time of loss. Blessings to you in Jesus' Name.
David Mapes

Pete Niederhauser

January 9, 2010

My deepest sympathy on the passing of Bob. I was in the Navy with Bob in the 70's and never forgot him. "Wires" was so funny, he made us all laugh all the time. He made submarine life bearable! May he rest in peace.

Chuck Molitor

January 9, 2010

Please accept my condoloences from a former shipmate, Uss Stonewall Jackson SSBN634 Blue Rm2 71-75. Notification of his passing has been circulated to former crew members. God bless and Sleep well "Wires".....

Jennifer Silver

January 8, 2010

Dear Aunt Elaine,Jessica,Angie & Rob,

Not sure what to say other then I'm very sorry for your loss. Hope all your memories of him bring smiles & laughter to your soul. Wish I could have been their to help you through these difficult times but I am with you all always in my heart!I Love & Miss you!

Love you Uncle Bob!
Jennifer

Mom & Bob, 1953; Bob (9) & Patti (6)

January 8, 2010

Patti

January 8, 2010

Just listened again to a message you had left on our answering machine. You were so upbeat, you said "still alive, still kicking, that's what I do". I regret not knowing you would only be with us 10 months after you were diagnosed and I know you thought you had more time also. Everyone would have done things so differently. After mom & dad passed away, "we" were it. Now you're gone too. I don't remember ever asking you where you got the horrible nickname "crumb critter" which you called me all of my childhood, or how we got out of the woods that you got us lost in when I was 5 and you were 8 - looking for a cannon on a hill in Newfoundland. You drove dad crazy because you had to take everything apart to see how it worked. I am so sorry you're gone big brother and so sorry we didn't appreciate and cherish the time we could have spent together with our families. This is so unfair that you are no longer here to spend time with your family, enjoy your kids and the people you loved. I know you were proud of Jess, Rob and Angie and I hope they will always remember that. I still haven't taken you out of our phones or email ..... that seems too final. No one wants this to be final. You are missed so very much!!!!! I love you!!!!!

Jess

January 7, 2010

I miss you so much, Dad. It hurts to know that I'll never be able to pick up the phone again and hear you on the other end... comforting me and giving me hope through my hard times - and we know I've had so many of those lately. I know you were in a lot of pain in your last days, but you hid it from us so well. I'm very grateful that you no longer have to endure that pain, but this is so unfair. I'm broken without you. When I look at me I see so much of you and I am so happy that I am a part of you. I'm listening to 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps.' I can see you playing your guitar and singing. You had so much talent and you brought so much happiness and pride to us all. I love you, Dad. -Chief

Elaine Whitcomb

January 7, 2010

My Dearest Husband,

It's been hard for me to know what to say. So many years, so many memories........and more I had hoped to have with you. We were suppose to grow older together, possibly enjoy some more grandchildren or travel the country - who knows what would have come - we would have added many more memories if only given the chance.

I will always cherish the years and memories we did have together. I will always love you and keep you close to my heart as you did me and the kids.

I wish you hadn't shielded us from your pain. We would have gladly endured it in order to relieve you of some of it. Rest in peace, my love. All is well here.

Your Loving Wife,
Elaine

Alex Haislip

January 7, 2010

I guess it’s just because you’re gone
And we’ve gone our separate ways
I guess I always figured you
Would be the one that stayed

But I used to know your silences
And now I don't know your words
And at the end of the day
That’s the thing that hurts

I guess I wish I knew you
Like we would have done
We would have talked for hours
Let the music play

But I only know you
In these memories
And I’m left with one thought
That leaves me incomplete

I wish I had known you better

Dad, you will be missed forever.

Love, Alex

Angie Staley

January 6, 2010

Dad,

You will be greatly missed. Unfortunately no one knew how soon you'd be taken from this world and I am grateful for the time that I was able to share with you. I will never forget those weekend mornings as a child watching Pee-Wee's Playhouse together. Any time Jaiden or I get sad, we look for you on the moon. He said he wants to live there with you when he dies. Thank you for all that you have done for this family. We are very proud of you and love you very much. You'll be forever in my heart.

Love,
Lynnly-Lynn-Lynn

Angie Morales

January 6, 2010

I am so sorry to hear that your Dad is gone. I got to know him through out the years growing up with you and your family, full of happy times. Very loveing Man & Daddy! Our condolences to you and your family. Prayers are with you in your time of grief! He will be missed by many!

Jody and Kevin Haislip

January 6, 2010

Dear Elaine,
Kevin and I send our love. We are sorry to hear about your husband. I can only imagine how hard it will be for you in the coming days without him. So many years, and I am sure so many memories...may God comfort you and keep you safe as you adjust and remember. Take time for yourself and let healing take place.
Love, Jody and Kevin Haislip

Jody and Kevin Haislip

January 6, 2010

Dear Jessica,
We are very sorry to hear of your father's passing. To lose a father is to have a hole in your heart. No one else can fill it...we only hope that you will be comforted during this season of missing him.
Love, Kevin and Jody Haislip

Jayne Kirsch

January 5, 2010

Dear Jessica & Family,
I'm so sorry about the loss of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your cherished memories bring you comfort.

Jayne

January 5, 2010

condolences to all of you,Jesssica is a dear friend of mine and i know this is a hard time for you all.You are all in my thoughts jefferson wilson (wash dc)

Bob

January 5, 2010

Deborah Nelson-Workman

January 5, 2010

Aunt Elaine, Jessica, Angie & Rob:

May all the many wonderful memories of your husband & father bring each of you a smile and warm your heart & soul. He was such a brilliant, compassionate man with a grand zest for life and will be deeply missed by many.

I love you, Uncle Bob!

Deborah

Marsha Kirchhoff

January 5, 2010

Heartfelt condolences to my friend Jessica and her family. I lost my mom to the same disease about two years ago, and it was also a factor in my dad's passing several years before. I can imagine how deeply you are feeling this great loss, because I've been there too. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.