Robert (Bob) Housley

Obituary

Robert Thomas Housley, 74, left this earthly journey on December 30, 2023, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. Bob was born December 27, 1949, in Cincinnati, Ohio to James and Dorothy Housley, and grew up as the much loved youngest sibling of brother Jim and sisters Hedy and Barbara.Upon graduating from high school, he attended the University of Akron. However, he and the college agreed that college life was not for him. A great decision, because he then enrolled in the US Navy, volunteering for submarine service. After submarine school at New London, Connecticut, he was assigned to the USS Halibut stationed at Mare Island Naval Shipyards in Vallejo, Ca., He served the remainder of his six-year enlistment, and also met his wife Sharon during this time. He was extremely proud of his service to his country and to be a part of Operation Ivy Bells serving aboard the Halibut.Two weeks after his honorable discharge from the Navy, he went to work for Hewlett Packard where he progressed from electronics technician to management. As he told the story, they had to promote him because he was not a good technician. He continued his employment from HP to Agilent to Keysight, making many friends along the way, and retired after 37 years to enjoy his sports teams and NASCAR. Bob was a good man who dearly loved his family and his friends. He is survived by his wife Sharon, son Eric and wife Laura, granddaughter Janelle and daughter Asia, sister Hedy and husband Irv, Susie Housley who helped raise him, numerous nieces and nephews, and Sharon's brother Mac McLeod and wife Carol, all of whom were close to his heart. Bob and Sharon, who were together for 52 years, loved to travel and were blessed to enjoy many great trips to far away places with family and close friends. Bob was sincerely loved by those who knew him and he will be greatly missed and forever remain in our hearts. A celebration of life is being organized for family and friends. As he wished, Bob will receive a burial at sea conducted by the US Navy. 

Gallery

Memory wall

March 25, 2024

Our family loved Bob, our kids remember going to the Housley's house to watch Niner's games and super bowl parties. Bob was like an extended uncle to them. Our deepest condolences to the Housley family and friends. He will surely be missed.
Diego and Virginia Latorre

Virginia Latorre

March 23, 2024

We really got to know Bob and Sharon when they hosted us in 2015 for a celebration for Hal Brown. It was great to see Bob again at the 2016 Bremerton reunion when he reunited with his "best man" Jim O'Brien, and also at the 2018 Halibut reunion in Nashville.

John and Debbie Long

John F Long

March 17, 2024

We had awesome times on Halibut on our training missions and deployments. We kept each other laughing as much as possible...

TMC/SS David Harvey

March 15, 2024

I met Bob on the USS Halibut in 1973 and became good friends. I was FWD IC and spent a lot of hours in Sonar with him and Phil Thomas. After watch we would spend hours and hours making mixtapes (reel-to-reel ar the time!). When we reconnected at the Bremerton Reunion he told me he still had a lot of the tapes, 40+ years later! That was some of my most cherished memories from that time and Bob really will be missed.

Donald Wayne

March 15, 2024

Many great times at Halibut reunions , Bob was truly a great shipmate.

Kenneth Hicks

March 14, 2024

Bob was very important to me. He was my LPO and taught me sonar and we spend many hours together during this time. We became very good friends and shipmates. I missed his phone calls and texts.!

Farewell Bob!!

James Lister

March 13, 2024

I am really fortunate enough to have known Bob and to have worked with him at Agilent/Keysight. He was genuinely a great person and an amazing human being. To me he was also a mentor who helped guide me in my career decisions. He would always have some advice for me helping me navigate the twists and turns of professional life. I will always be grateful for that.

Kam Patel

March 10, 2024

We met Bob and Sharon through miniature horses but really got to know them while doing three cruises with them. Bob was always up for an adventure and enjoyed seeing new places. I loved that Bob always had a smile for everyone and enjoyed good food and a good beer. He is a man who will certainly be missed by all his friends and family! .

PIp and Gerry Breckon

March 10, 2024

Bob was a genuine "good guy", patriot and number 1 brother in law. Rest in Peace.

Mac McLeod

March 9, 2024

I will sorely miss Bob. From the wonderful morning breakfasts to evening BBQs, I couldn’t help but join with his enthusiasm for cooking and laughing with friends. His generous sole was a gift to us all. Goodby with love ❤️

Sally Glading

March 6, 2024

It was an honor to work and associate with Bob. I am grateful to have crossed paths with him during our turn on earth! My love and condolences to the family.

Rosangela Torres

March 5, 2024

Sharon I am so sorry for your loss, I remember Bob as a wonderful cook!
You and your family are in my prayers.

Pam Brown

March 5, 2024

Bob was a good friend, I will miss him, funny, smart and a family man. I was fortunate enough to have met Bob, when I was hired to HP back in 1979. We worked together many times over the years.

Rick Bryson

March 5, 2024

We have so many fond memories of Bob and would be honored to join you in his Celebration of life.
Jacquie and Dallas

Jacquie Parr

March 5, 2024

He was a kind and thoughtful man. He will be very missed.

Julie Ellingon

March 5, 2024

Bob and I were fraternity brothers in Phi Sigma Kappa. We both left Akron University at the same time and joined the Navy on the buddy system. We were in Boot Camp Company 145 from April to June 1970. Bob was the Assistant Recruit Petty Officer Chief, number 2 in the company. We then went on to Electronics Technician school. The last time I saw Bob was in 1971 in San Francisco, so long ago. I remember him fondly he was my friend, he was my ‘buddy’.

John F. Downey

March 3, 2024

Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day.

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