Robert Karl Marohn

Robert Karl Marohn

July 24, 1936 - July 10, 2024

Robert Karl (Bob) Marohn was born in Toledo, Ohio on July 24, 1936, to Arthur Carl Marohn and Edna Christine (Laidig) Marohn. He died in Gardena, California on July 10, 2024. Bob grew up in a working-class neighborhood during the post-depression era and World War II, working various jobs from a young age.

Bob attended Libbey High School in Toledo, where he excelled in sports and student government. Upon graduation, he was awarded the competitive Page Scholarship to attend the University of Toledo. While at the university, Bob was a member of the Toledo Rocket varsity football team, President of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity and a member of the US Army Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC). He graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. While at the University, Bob met his future wife, Gretchen Ruth Vobbe. They were married on June 14, 1959.

After graduation, Bob served two years in the U.S. Army as Company Commander of the 504th Military Police Company. Upon completing his active duty, he joined Martin Marietta in Huntsville, Alabama, representing the company's capabilities in tactical missiles and NASA projects. He later worked for Bunker Ramo and then TRW.

In 1968, TRW transferred Bob to its Space Park facility in Redondo Beach, CA. He took on various roles within TRW including managing sales for the Digital Equipment Laboratory and later the Space Vehicle Division. He contributed significantly to NASA's Skylab Space Station and Saturn Apollo programs. His leadership was instrumental in securing contracts for High Energy Astrophysics Observatories (HEAO) satellites.

In 1979, Bob joined Rockwell International as Director of Business Development for the Space Transportation Integration and Operations Division, focusing on Space Shuttle payload business acquisitions. He returned to TRW in 1981 as Director of Program Development for the Program Management Division, overseeing all of TRW's space system sales, including military and classified projects. In the 1990's, Bob transitioned to the Space Technology Division at TRW where he played a pivotal role in developing the Laser Airborne ICBM Interceptor Program.

Bob retired in 1999, but continued to represent international companies in the US government and commercial markets for the next twenty years. He was President of the Southern California Professional Representatives Association and a member of the Board of Directors of Chapter 147 of the Air Force Association. He was also active in community affairs, serving as President of the Ladera Linda Homeowners' Association, a member of the Save Our Coastline initiative and a founder of the Portuguese Bend Defense Committee. He was involved in the formation of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and held various roles in local government committees.

Bob and Gretchen were married for 65 years. He is survived by his wife; children, Robert, Denise, Fritz; and grandchildren, Max and Maddie. His brother Bill also survives.

Bob will be remembered for his contributions to aerospace and space technology, his dedication to his community and his love for his family. He lived a life of service and achievement, leaving a lasting legacy. Bob will be buried at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. The family will hold a private celebration of life in September and ask that any donation be made in his memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd. New York, NY 10306.