Robert J. Spane

1940 - 2025

Robert J. Spane
05/05/1940 - 11/23/2025
Vice Admiral Robert "Rocky" Johnson Spane, a long-time resident of Coronado, died of complications from Parkinson's disease on November 23, 2025. He was 85 years old.
Born and raised in Ely, Nevada, Spane was educated at the United States Naval Academy, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the Navy Nuclear Power Program.
Designated a Navy Aviator in 1963, Spane flew A-4's, A-7's, and FA-18's - with his 1000th carrier trap as the Commanding Officer of the USS Enterprise.
Spane was selected for the nuclear power program and immersed for two and a half years preparing for command of the nuclear-powered USS Enterprise (CVN-65). Under his command, the Enterprise deployed to Southwest Asia and conducted Operation Praying Mantis. Spane subsequently took the Enterprise, the first nuclear carrier through the Suez Canal and into the Mediterranean to support operations against Libya. The next Command was the Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group (Carrier Group-8), followed by his final Command as Commander, Naval Air Force, US Pacific Fleet. Rocky retired in March 1996 after 34 years of active duty.
After retirement, Spane served as CEO of Vanguard Airlines in Kansas City, Kansas. He returned full-time to Coronado and proudly served for eight years as Coronado's Port Commissioner. He also served on the Homeland Security Advisory Council, the AT&T Advisory Board, the Scripps Institute Advisory Board, and XOJet Board.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, the former Mary Linda Gillis of Waycross, Georgia; sons, Rocky and Jonathan, and daughter, Michele; and five grandchildren.
An avid golfer, Spane loved playing golf at San Diego Country Club, San Francisco Golf Club, and as a member of the Coronado Men's Group until diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 31st at Christ Episcopal Church, Coronado.