Robert “Bob” E. Spruit, Captain, USN (Ret.), 89, of Virginia Beach, VA died on January 23, 2016.
Bob was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, February 2, 1926 to Martin and Johanna Spruit. Upon graduation from Grand Rapids Central High School he enrolled in the navy’s V5 program. Bob served in the Navy from September 1943 to September 1975. In 1955 he married Ellen Funteas, his wife of 51 years. While in the V5 program, he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic, Union College, UNC Chapel Hill and received his degree from University of Michigan. He also attended the US Naval War College and George Washington University.
During his Naval career he served as a flight instructor at NAS Whiting Field and NAS Oceana, three years on the Staff of Naval Operations at the Pentagon, and retired as Director of Fleet Operations in Norfolk. Bob served three tours in Vietnam during which he flew 516 combat missions. He was the commanding officer of attack squadron 66 and air wing 16 aboard the USS Oriskany. His final tour in Vietnam was as Commander Delta Naval Forces and senior advisor to VNN River Patrol. Among Bob’s awards were two bronze stars and two distinguished flying crosses. Aviation memberships included the Association of Naval Aviation and the Golden Eagles.
Bob attended First Landing Chapel at Fort Story. He was an avid tennis player and attempted to play at least twice a week until his death. He often said “at my age, it may not be good tennis…but, it’s still tennis”. Bob enjoyed taking care of his yard, home and socializing with his many close neighbors and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and wife, Ellen. Survivors include his sister, Joan Steele, of Broomfield, Colorado, brother-in-law Christopher Funteas and his wife, Beverley, of Chicago, brother-in-law Joseph N. Barrett of Barrington, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.
Interment will take place February 4th at 10 am at Albert G Horton Jr Memorial Veterans Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 12:00pm at HD Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel, Virginia Beach.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Tailhook Educational Foundation at 1-800-322-4665. Online condolences may be made to the family at hdoliver.com.
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