Robert Singer

Robert (Bob) Singer passed away suddenly on December 29th at Summit Hospital at the age of 78.

He moved to Arizona after serving in Navy aviation, where he flew helicopters. Born in San Francisco, Bob attended public schools there and excelled in sports and activities at Hillsdale High School in San Mateo. He played team basketball, and golf, and was an accomplished trumpet player in the school band. His love for music and sports continued throughout his life.

After graduating from Oregon State University, Bob volunteered for the Aviation Officer Candidate School at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL. After an intense officer training course, he was commissioned an Ensign in the U S Navy. Follow-on training earned him the coveted Wings of Gold of a Naval Aviator. He was assigned to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron One, HC-1, aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Coral Sea, where he performed plane guard duties and logistic support for the carrier air group. He served two deployments to the Gulf of Tonkin where Lieutenant Singer received two citations: one for "participation in the recovery of the SS Mayaguez and her crew from Cambodian Forces", and another for "heroic achievement in the search and rescue of a man overboard during darkness, high seas, and intermittent rain until the survivor was located and returned to the ship".

After more than six years of service, Bob decided to pursue a career in architecture at Arizona State University. As a licensed architect, he worked for Phoenix firms and had a private practice before joining Mark-Taylor Development, where he spent twenty years with the Architectural Design Group.

In retirement, Bob enjoyed life in Pinetop, forming friendships at the Pinetop Country Club golf course and within the Pinetop Lakes Community. His last residential design project was a home for his family in Sierra Springs Ranch, where he served on the SSR Homeowners Association Board and developed a deep affection for his community.

Bob is survived by his wife of 34 years, Suzanne; his former wife, Helen; his son, Joe Singer (Sarah); and stepchildren, John Paul Johnson (Sara) and Jennifer Johnson (Jason Turunen); his two grandchildren, Caden and Madeleine, held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by his brother Charlie and sister-in-law Melinda in South Carolina, along with several cousins in Northern California, all of whom maintained contact over the years.

Bob will be greatly missed. Memorial services are pending.