CDR Robert Erwin Ettle

Birth date: Jun 19, 1939 Death date: Feb 10, 2021

CDR Robert Erwin Ettle (Ret) passed away on February 10, 2021 in Covington, LA. He was born on June 19, 1939 in Ridgway, PA to the late Gustav Ettle and Mary Burke Ettle. Robert was the beloved husband of Mary Melinda Vandergrift Read Obituary

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Frank Gremillion

239w ago

Melinda,

I was deeply saddened to learn of Bob's passing. He was a wonderful guy. Our friendship began when he started working for Odeco/Diamond in New Orleans and it continued during his years in Houston and beyond. I always enjoyed our many meals and conversations together. He treasured his family and his love and pride was evident when he spoke of each of you. Although we seldom saw each other in recent years, we remained in touch periodically. I had actually emailed Bob only four days before his death. This week marks the anniversary of our trip down into the Grand Canyon over twenty years ago. A flood of memories return from that great adventure--I will forever be grateful for Bob's friendship and please accept my sincerest condolences. You all will all be remembered in my prayers.

Frank Gremillion

Love From Nancy & Jim

239w ago

Sent a Garden Accent Stone - "I thought of you" to the Ettle family.

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Jean Shirvinski

241w ago

Dear Melinda,
We were very saddened to learn of Bob's passing and we send our condolences to you & your family. May Bob rest in peace.
We remember happy memories from our times in Mattapoisett & New Bedford knowing you & Bob in our Coast Guard service.
We wish you comfort.
Adam & Jean Shirvinski

Nancy Bucher

241w ago

I was with Bob's "to be" wife the night she met him in San Diego, CA. This was at the Officers Club Valentine's Day that Melinda and several other very fine ladies, some of them who had to climb over a curfew fence at the local Catholic college, attended. I have absolutely no memory of meeting Bob that night but a couple of months later Melinda joined me for lunch at St. Jude's Hospital in Fullerton, CA where I was working at the time and asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding! All can visualize the look on my face not knowing she was even dating anyone! Following their wedding in southern CA they moved to Bodega Bay, CA and I also moved to the Bay Area. We shared several visits during their time there solving all the world's problems (do-able then) and have remained friends to this day. I visited in New Orleans once, we all picked up where we left off in Bodega Bay. I am very sad for Bob's passing and think of the song "Dear Heart" by Andy Williams, the song I always attributed to them and their life. May he rest in peace. And may my dear friend Melinda find hers. Nancy Bucher

Vincent G Dipasqua

242w ago

Bob and I are classmates of the class of '61, US Coast Guard Academy. When cadets we referred to Bob as "Commander Bob". AND he retired true to that nickname. Who knew? Sometime in the early 80s I was working for LOOP in Southern Louisiana and Bob was in the area working for I believe Oceaneering. We met briefly concerning our company's contract. We reminisced about some early assignments in our careers. I left the area in mid 1985. It was the last time I saw Bob. He was in my company when I was a cadet. May he rest in peace. Hand salute to a dear friend and comrade in arms! Ready two! God bless! Vince DiPasqua - Never Outdone - '61.

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