Marko, Robert Lee

Aviation Boatswain's Mate Senior Chief Robert Lee Marko (Ret) died in his home on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 in Orange Park, FL, due to complications following lung cancer.  He was 71.

     ABHCS Marko was born January 1, 1946, in Chicago, IL, to Robert and Thomasine Wright, later taking the surname of his respected stepfather Al Marko.  He joined the United States Navy in 1963 at 17.  His distinguished career as an Aviation Boatswain's Mate spanned 20 years that included leadership positions on the USS AMERICA (CVA-66), the USS CORAL SEA (CVA-43), the USS FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CVA-42), the USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA-3) and 2 tours in Vietnam as a PBR boat captain resulting in being awarded a Bronze Star with a Combat V.

     Bob's maritime interests continued after his Naval service and compelled him to obtain certifications as a dive master and scuba diving instructor and to own his own scuba diving school allowing him to further advance his love of underwater photography.

     He is survived by his wife Kathryn, daughter Melanie, grandchildren Nicholas and Michael, sister Michele, aunt Patricia, nephews Matthew, Warren and Matthew, niece Amber, great nephews Kyle and Ryan, and great nieces Jordan, Madeline and Annabelle.  He is preceded in death by his mother Tommie, stepfather Al and sister Pamela.

     A visitation will be held at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073, (904) 264-1233, on Saturday, December 9, at 1:00 PM with a service to follow at 3:00 PM.  Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

     In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Bob's name to the ABMA scholarship fund.  Please make checks payable to ABMA Treasurer, (add designation for the scholarship fund) and mail to ABMA Treasurer, I.C.O. Michelle Peterson, 2634 Settler's Landing, Gulf Breeze, FL, 32563.

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