ROBERT WHITBREAD

WHITBREAD ROBERT MILLER WHITBREAD Born on August 1, 1929 to Reginald and Gertrude Whitbread in New Haven, CT, passed away at his home on June 13, 2017. Loved by everyone who knew him, even those whose acquaintance was brief, he will forever be remembered for his love of sports (especially basketball), history, travel, our great country and, most of all, his family and friends. His kindness, intelligence, wit and gregarious nature will be profoundly missed. Bob graduated from Hillhouse High School in New Haven in '47. His agility and scoring prowess propelled his basketball team to the Connecticut State Championship from '43-'47 and to the New England State High School Championship in '46. For that accomplishment, he was recognized in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. Following his successful high school career, he enrolled at Southern Connecticut University where he proceeded to break the basketball scoring record two years in a row ('48-49). Seeking increased opportunity, Bob transferred to Trinity College in Hartford, CT, where he continued his athletic career on the basketball and softball teams. At Trinity, he found fellowship among his brothers in the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, and was elected president of the fraternity his senior year. He graduated from Trinity with a B.A. in History in '52. After college, Bob enlisted in the Army and spent three years in Berlin, Germany as part of the Counter Intelligence Corps. During his service in Berlin, he collected critical intelligence information in the emerging Cold War with the USSR. In 1955, he was selected for the CIA and embarked on a lifelong career in the service of his country. During his long career in the clandestine service of the Agency, Bob served in many critical positions, both overseas and at Langley Headquarters. In 1982, he was selected to serve as the Narcotics Intelligence Coordinator within the Office of the Vice President under George H. W. Bush as part of President Reagan's war on drugs. In this position, Bob was recognized for meritorious service. Completing his work with the Counter Narcotics Task Force, he returned to work for the Agency until his retirement in 2005. During his Agency career, Bob received multiple awards recognizing his service to America including the Award for Exceptional Achievement. Bob is predeceased by his wife and partner of 54 years, Harriett Jane Failor of Philadelphia, PA, who passed in March of 2011. He is survived by his children, Derek, Geoffrey and Kristen; his grandchildren, Mariah and Oak; and his great grandson, Lachlann. A memorial service will be held at Christ Church in Alexandria, VA on Friday, June 30, at 3 p.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Robert Whitbread's name to the CIA Officers' Memorial Foundation, PO Box 405, Herndon, VA 20172 (703-638-5378) or The Trinity College Fund, 300 Summit St, Hartford, CT 06106 (800-771-6184).In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Robert Whitbread's name to the CIA Officers' Memorial Foundation, PO Box 405, Herndon, VA 20172 (703-638-5378) or The Trinity College Fund, 300 Summit St, Hartford, CT 06106 (800-771-6184).