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Robert Cave Obituary
San Diego, CA
Robert L. Cave, Sr. passed away 8 November, 2015, in San Diego Calif. He was the husband of Dorothy M. "Able" Cave, formerly of Glen Rock, and father of three children, Robin Jones of Prescott, Ariz.,, Robert Cave of Fresno, Calif., and David Cave and his wife, Carrie of Escondido, Calif.; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Robert was a 35 year Veteran of the United States Navy attaining the Rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. He was a Master Saturation Diver and held the world record for the Deepest Ocean Sea Dive at 1025 feet which has never been broken.
Born 19 February, 1940, in York, the son of late Margaret D. "Topper" Love and David A. Love, Sr. of Dover, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Cave of New Bridgeville, and a sister, Gloria M. "Cave" Shay of York. He is survived by three brothers and two sisters, David A. Love, Jr. and wife, Becky of York, Larry Love and wife, Linda of Dover, and Jeffrey Love and wife, Joyce of Dover; Michelle Wagner and husband, Leroy of York, and Kimberly Hunter and husband, Fred of Dover; and many nieces and nephews. He was a very loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. Our hearts are broken.
He will be buried at Miramar Military Cemetery in San Diego, Calif.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cave
James Foradas
October 31, 2025
Bob was my teacher in the tanks at the college of oceaneering. He was fair and if we messed up and did pushups he did them alongside us.
I will never forget his boot atop the 11-foot tank ladder the day I had to pass breathing from a free flowing reg. I had a lot on my mind from back home and could not master it. If I stepped out of the tank I would flunk.
So every time I came up the ladder coughing and gagging and angry his boot was there, refusing to let me climb out.
"I've got all night Spock." So down I went until I focused and mastered that.
I did not hear of Bob's passing until six month's after he died but I told this story often to my students in various subjects.
I also was blessed to meet one of his divers who was a rig expediter on Steelhead when I worked as a mudlogger.
I looked up his obituary today because I told my daughter, who joined the Navy last year about Bob and his boot. I told her your Chiefs will not quit on you if you don't quit on them before she left for bootcamp.
Well she is stationed in San Diego now. So I hope to be out there in a few months to visit her and to pay my long overdue respects to Bob.
Danny santellano
February 22, 2024
Danny santellano
February 22, 2024
I loved this man he was my dive instructor at college of oceaneering Wilmington ca. He was a great human being who took a special liking to me and I to him. Rest In Peace master chief
Daniel Wahl
February 1, 2023
Bob Cave, it was an honor to be taught by you. You broke me and rebuilt me in the ways I needed to navigate these dark waters...
I'll always have ya pushing me past the point of docile apathy. I gotta apologize for giving ya any aggravation or frustration. You and I both know where to apply those. I have deep respect for you brother. Can't wait to see you wherever we end up!
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Boyd Kennen
September 7, 2020
It was an Honor and Privilege to work with Master Chief Bob Cave while attending College of Oceaneering and later as a Sat Diver.
Boyd Kennen
bonnie galliway
February 8, 2016
God Bless Master Diver Cave, i am blessed to have served with you, i will tell the stories about you and smile
Steve Wheeler
December 25, 2015
Very sorry to hear about MC's passing. I had the honor of learning from him at the College of Oceaneering class of Feb '01. One of the finest men I have ever met.
My condolences to his family.
Scott Cassell
November 24, 2015
You will be missed Bobby. It was an Honor to work with you for four years. You were my mentor, friend and hero. I will endeavor to be half the man you were.
Garland Summerall
November 17, 2015
Big Bob Cave. One of the best.It,s an honor to have served with him. God bless you and the family Dottis.
Chris Thompson
November 16, 2015
You were one of my greatest mentors. Very sad to see you go. My condolences to your family. I'll think of you in the water. Be at peace. From one of your diving students.
BUBBA
November 16, 2015
To a man i have always looked up to. truly a sad day.your spirit and memories i will always hold close.
Donna Wilson
November 15, 2015
To the entire family we are so sorry for your loss. We all loved "Paps" and he will be greatly missed. You will live on through your grandchildren and great grandchildren. We will make sure of it. Forever in our hearts.
Lorenzo Rodriguez
November 13, 2015
May God wrap His arms around your family and bring them comfort and solace.
Memories of serving with Bobby has always brought a smile to my face.
My sympathies to his family.
Lorenzo Rodriguez
LCDR USN (Ret) a former Sat student of his.
David and Becky Love
November 13, 2015
Master Chief! You were an inspiration to us all!
November 13, 2015
From former Sailor to you Job well done with a 4.0
ABH3 USS Independence CVA 62 York PA
chris side
November 13, 2015
Hooyah, Master Diver Cave!
Patrick Hudnall
November 13, 2015
I'll certainly miss my old friend and mentor. My condolences to Dottie and the family.
Guy Stark
November 13, 2015
I will have many fond memories on Master Diver Cave. It seems when I have conversations with my diver buddies, stories about Bobby always came up. Fair Winds and Following Seas my Master Diver.
Rick and Deb Donlon
November 13, 2015
Sincere condolences from a brother and his family ...
Retired Master Diver Rick Donlon.
Larry Love
November 13, 2015
I will miss my big brother . Sorry for your loss Dorothy .He was a good man .
John Orendorff
November 13, 2015
Dave and family,
I'm sorry to hear of your brothers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Fair Winds and Following Seas Master Chief Cave. Rest in Peace.
Greg Deaton
November 12, 2015
My sincere condolences to Master Diver Caves' family. He was a fine example of professionalism and honor. I will never forget him.
Boots & Alice Clark
November 12, 2015
"For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity."
--William Penn
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