Obituary of Robert H. Rolph

Robert Harding Rolph, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather peacefully passed away on July 29, 2016 at Crown Center of Laurel Lake in Hudson, Ohio having recently resided at the Gables of Hudson prior to leaving his hometown of Jamestown, New York. Robert was born November 19, 1920 in Erie, Pennsylvania, son of Lyle Myron Rolph and Grace Hazel Davis Rolph. Robert spent his early years in Frewsburg and then in Jamestown, New York. Upon graduation from Jamestown High School in 1939, Robert enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1940. Mr. Rolph was accepted at Brown University but was commissioned Ensign and so elected to serve his country during the years of World War II. His tours of duty were served aboard the USS Lexington in raids on the Wake, Gilbert and Marshall Islands. He also served on the USS Ranger in the Atlantic participating in the North African Invasion. In 1944 the Navy sent Robert to General Motors Institute to study diesel powered ships at sea. Robert left the Navy in 1946 and spent the remainder of his career as a civilian working for the Department of the Navy, first in Lakehurst, New Jersey where he supervised departments working on dirigibles and helicopters and then completed his time with the Navy at the Naval Aviation Supply Office in Philadelphia, PA where he provided technical support for over 90 models of Naval aircraft as well as for foreign military aircraft. Robert married Anita Hope Thoren on August 5, 1944 in Jamestown, New York. They along with their three daughters (Sheila, Barbara and Patricia) resided first in Lakehurst, New Jersey and then Marlton, New Jersey. Robert and Anita retired in their hometown of Jamestown, New York. In addition to achieving a successful career with the Department of the Navy for 35 years, Mr. Rolph also served his community as a school board member and served on the boards of the churches he attended during his lifetime. Robert served as president of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees of the Jamestown, New York Chapter. Mr. Rolph was a true patriot who served and loved his country. Above all Robert loved his wife and family and will be truly missed by us all. Robert was preceded in death by his loving wife, Anita and leaves behind daughters Sheila Hammar (nee Rolph) and Jerome, Barbara Rolph, and Patricia Hall (nee Rolph) and Robert; grandchildren David Bauders and wife Dolores, Christopher Bauders and wife Belinda, Stephanie Nelson and husband Mark, Judson White, Joshua White, Kimberly Hall, and Kevin Hall; great-grandchildren Maximilian Bauders, Emily Kenville, Clayton Lundy, Brandon Lundy, Emily Nelson and Laura Nelson. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law Daniel Thoren and Daniel's wife Sally along with several nieces and nephews. Arrangements are being made by Lind Funeral Home (Jamestown, NY) and Johnson Romito Funeral Home (Hudson, OH). A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Interment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in Frewsburg, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 825 Forest Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701.