Lieutenant Robert Ronald York, 84, of Dunlapsville, Indiana/Ocala, Florida, passed away on the 17th of January, 2022.
He was born April 1, 1937 in New Miami, Ohio and is the son of the late George Perry York and Flossie May Waddell.
Along with his parents and son Steven, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Russell (Buck), Harold (Tony) and 4 sisters: Helen Williams (Bob), Iva Reibsomer (Hafey), Betty Sims (Don) and Joyce Gard (Larry).
Robert is survived by his wife Pauleta. Robert and Pauleta (known as Bob and P.J. to their friends) raised three children together: Ronald Glenn (Emily Brady) of Nashville, Tennessee, Steven Clinton (deceased) of Rushville, Indiana, Debra Jean (Don) Casey of Ocala, Florida. They also have five grandchildren (Samantha York, Veronica Eckart, Nicole Lafever, Danielle Putek and Ashley York) and seven great grandchildren (Stori Driver, Aliyah Lafever, Addy Lafever, Raelyn Waynick, Payton Mcfarland, Kayla and Kamryn Dickson). He is also survived by brothers William (Bill) of Connersville IN, and George Jr. (Junior) of Ft. Meyers FL, and his sister Deanna of San Antonio Texas, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In 1954, while attending Alquina High School, he enlisted in the Navy. That same year he met the love of his life, Pauleta Jean Fields on a blind date. They were married on May 21st, 1957 at the home of a pastor in Springersville, Indiana. They would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this year.
Robert, (known to his family as Ronnie), was a Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, rising from Seaman Recruit, through the Warrant Officer ranks entering into the L.D.O. Officer program and retired after 22 years as a full Lieutenant. He started his career on the U.S.S. Till, a Destroyer escort ship then continued to the Destroyers U.S.S. John R Pierce, U.S.S. Hull, and then the U.S.S. Helena, a Light Cruiser. He then pursued a Ships Repair specialty path that led to the U.S.S. Arco at S.R.F. Guam punctuated by Officers Candidate School in Newport RI and a short stint on the Repair Ship U.S.S Cadmus. He returned to S.R.F. Guam as Chief Docking Officer of that facility. Upon his announcement of his intention to retire, he was transferred to the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Hancock from which he ended his active service to our country in the U.S. Navy. Moving the family back to Indiana, they purchased Pauleta’s family home. He went to work at D & M in Connersville IN and retired from there after 20 years of service. He sold Real Estate for a period of time and then moved to Ocala, Florida in 1996.
For many years, before and after retirement, Robert and Pauleta enjoyed traveling together. They were Cruise enthusiasts and enjoyed sailing on many cruise ships to a variety of destinations. Whenever possible, they loved to be joined on their voyages by family members and close friends. Robert loved animals and through the years he gave lots of love and attention to the many family pets. He loved spending time with family and when the grandchildren were small, he would hold them in his lap and swing them to sleep or entertain them by singing old songs and funny little ditties from his childhood.
Visitation with the family will be at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home on Wednesday Jan. 26th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., concluding with a short memorial service. Burial will be immediately following at the Dunlapsville Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the Fayette County Honor Guard.
To share a fond memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit millermosterrobbins.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dunlapsville Cemetery Association or the Fayette County Animal Shelter.