Robert E. Channell

Quartermaster Senior Chief (SS) Robert (Bob) Earle Channell, USN, (Ret), passed away on 6 September 2024 in Vero Beach, Florida.  He was born in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, on 19 January 1935, to his parents, George and Alice Channell.  He was proceeded in death by his wife, Linda, who he was happily married to for 59 years and his brother, Richard.  As family patriarch, Bob leaves behind 5 children (Michelle, Michael, David, Karen and Robin), 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Bob wore many family titles over his 89 years: Son, brother, husband, father, uncle, brother-in-law, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather.  He was affectually known as “Bumpa” to his grandchildren/great-grandchildren/great-great grandchildren.  Whenever a family member needed help during a personal crisis or natural disaster, he could always be counted on to provide assistance.  There’s not a single family member that didn’t benefit from his generosity at one time or another.  Bob was never one to sit still, even as a child.  He was always on the go.  His father instilled solid work ethics in him at an early age and it stayed with him throughout his working career.

When Bob was 8 years old, he sat mesmerized watching a World War II movie about the submarine service.  From then on, there was never a doubt about he would do with his life.  Upon graduating from Grafton High School, Bob fulfilled his childhood dream by joining the Navy at 17 and eagerly volunteering for submarine duty.  What followed was an illustrious 23-year career, the majority of it spent underwater sailing the world’s oceans and seas in both diesel and nuclear submarines.  Once he completed all required qualifications, he received his coveted Submarine Warfare “Dolphins” insignia, which he wore proudly.  Bob was also an honored member of the Chief Petty Officers’ Fraternity, advancing to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.  In addition, he received an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science while on active duty.

Upon retirement from the Navy, Bob worked in a number of jobs that included ROTC Instructor, Campground Manager, Convenience Store/Restaurant Manager and auto parts delivery.  He also worked as a Rural Route Carrier for the Post Office for 10 years.  After retiring from the Post Office, he took up golf and began playing several times a week.  Despite shooting more than his share of slices and hooks over the years, Bob struck two memorable shots, resulting in a Hole-in-One on both occasions.

Bob was extremely knowledgeable when it came to cars, possessing an uncanny ability to distinguish make/model of most vehicles with only a quick glimpse and could quickly calculate mathematical equations.  Bob and his late wife, Linda, took several road trips/a flight/a cruise to visit all 50 state capitols.  On his 70^th birthday, he wanted to do something special so he parachuted out of a plane.  His head was filled with thousands of family memories and countless sea stories from his Naval career.  He was a devoted fan of Willie Nelson and Yuengling Black & Tan Beer.  Although Bob will be sorely missed by his family and friends, memories of him will live on forever.  Fair Winds and Following Seas, Bob.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.