Obituary of Robert M. Willauer, Jr.

Robert M. Willauer, Jr. age 76, “ Bob” “Skin” “Robbie” of Garnet Valley, PA, died on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.  Bob was born and raised in Highland Gardens, Chester, PA.  He was a graduate of St. James High School, Class of 1965. 

Bob was a devoted U.S. Navy Veteran. He enlisted in the USN July, 1966.  After basic training at Great Lakes, IL NTC (Co. 470), he was assigned to the gunnery division of USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), San Diego, CA. Following a Westpac cruise off the coast of Vietnam (Yankee Station) and returning to Long Beach, CA, he received orders to USN Amphibious School, Coronado, CA then NIOTC, Mare Island, PBR Class 49.

After jungle warfare training at Subic Bay, PI, he arrived in Vietnam March 1968.  PO Willauer reported to RIVDIV 512 at Binh Thuy on the Bassac River. His first patrol aboard PBR-40 was April 6, 1968. The worst day in-country was May 24, 1968 when he was informed his cousin SP/4 Andy Brinzo, serving with the 9^th Inf. at Dong Tam, was listed as killed in action.  In October, 1968 he was transferred to RIVDIV 594, Nha Be, to start a new river division, which patrolled the Rung Sat Special Zone, the Vam Co Tay and Vam Co Dong Rivers. Being one of the original crew members, he is a fiberglass Plank Owner or RIVDIV 594. After 225 combat patrols he departed Vietnam March 1969. His new assignment was aboard the USS Richard E. Kraus (DD-849) out of Charleston, SC, where he finished his enlistment as GMG2.

Bob separated April 1970, he received Navy Commendations with Combat V, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Ribbons, NDSM and RVN Gallantry Cross.  Bob was proud to have served as a PBR sailor, which he considered to be one of the finest bunch of sailors ever assembled by the Navy.

He continued his loyalty being a member of the American Legion Post #926 and the VFW. He also attended Naval reunions and was a life member of VVA Chapter 708.

He was employed as a Finishing Supervisor at Scott Paper for 20 years and then an Operator at Sun Oil company for more than 20 years, retiring in 2007.

Bob was a parishioner of St. John Fisher Church, Boothwyn, PA. 

He enjoyed drag racing, old car restoration (he has a ’57 Chevy convertible), Harley’s and was an animal lover.  Most of all, Bob was devoted to his family.

Husband of the late Jeannie (Kalup) Willauer; son of the late Robert M. and Dolores (Brinzo) Willauer, Sr.

Survivors:

Proud Son: Robert A. (Wendy) Willauer

Devoted Daughter: Dani L. Willauer

Loving Sister: Lynn (Frank) Soscia

Held in high esteem by his two nephews and their wives, Frank (Kelly) Soscia and Brian (Gina) Soscia

Grand-nephew and Grand-niece: Nick and Alessia Soscia

Beloved Cousin: Gert (Al) Meekins and their families

Visitation: Wednesday, July 19th from 6:00-8:00PM and Thursday, July 20th from 9:00-10:15AM at the Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Middletown (Rte. #352) & Knowlton Rds., Middletown Twp., Media, PA 19063.

Funeral Mass: Thursday, July 20th at 11:00AM at St. John Fisher Church, 4225 Chichester Ave. Boothwyn, PA 19061.

Interment with Military Honors: Lawn Croft Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: American Legion Post #926, 3220 Concord Rd., Aston, PA 19014.