Commander Bob Moran passed away earlier this week. While I didn’t spend a great deal of time with Bob over the years, my interactions with him always seemed to indicate that if circumstances were different, we would have been fast friends. He was an outstanding officer and a terrific person as well. He will be missed by those of us who were privileged to know him, even casually.

Here’s his obit republished from the Ventura County Star:

Robert “Bob” Paul Moran peacefully passed away on Sept. 6, 2011, in his Moorpark home of 31 years, with his loving family at his bedside. He was 71 years old. Bob was born in Somerville, Mass., the son of Phyllis V. Moran and Robert A. Moran. He was preceded by his parents and only brother, Philip A. Moran.

He is survived by his longtime spouse and best friend, Antonia “Toni” for over 36 years. He has five daughters, Phyllis Alexius (husband Eric), Julie Moran (partner Sherri Johnson), Tammy Moran (partner Raul Polit), Kerri Moran (fiancee Tyler Murphy) and Nicole Moran (partner Andy Keller). He is also survived by five grandchildren: John Piccoli, Christine Piccoli, Danielle DeVold, Raphye Alexius, Taylor Martinez, and one great-grandchild, Kayla Piccoli.

Bob graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Cambridge, Mass., on May 25, 1958. On completion of high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and served on active duty for more than seven years. He qualified as a submariner and served on numerous nuclear submarines as an electrician’s mate. His duties included Nuclear and Plant Operator, Maneuvering Area Watch, and Qualification Petty Officer. He left active serve as Lead Petty Officer in 1968 as EM1SS. His enlisted rate was E1 through E6. He applied for affiliation with the Naval Reserve Service and was commissioned Lt Jg USNR in 1973 after completing Officer Candidate School. He continued his Naval Reserve career for another 26 plus years. He left the Naval Reserve as a Commander in 2005.

Bob was Commanding Officer of two reserve units and Executive Officer of several more. His active duty assignments included naval shipyards where he was involved in surface ship combat testing and INSERV teams. He served on various assignments at NAVSEA headquarters in Washington, D.C., including the reactivation of the battleships. He was invited to join his grandson, John, who also followed in his footsteps in the Navy on two Tiger cruises on the USS Enterprise CVN65.
Bob’s other career also included employment with Raytheon, ITT Gilfillen, Teledyne, Litton and Northup Grumman. Bob earned his B.S. Degree in Engineering from Lowell Technological Institute while working at Raytheon Company in Lowell, Mass. He advanced in various management positions at Raytheon while furthering his education by earning his Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) at New Hampshire College.

In 1980, he relocated to Southern California again rising to numerous management positions at ITT Gilfillan and Teledyne Systems Company. Teledyne Co. was acquired by Litton which was later acquired by Northrop Grumman. Bob’s reputation for outstanding engineering and management leadership skills always made him part of the executive team that moved between the new companies. He was very well-respected for his ability to quickly grasp a difficult situation, take charge and resolve the problem. His work ethic and tenacity served him well during his civilian career while simultaneously serving as a senior officer in a U.S. Navy.

He officially retired May 1, 2011, from Northrup Grumman in Woodland Hills, Calif. On a personal note, Bob learned early in life that he had a gift for tinkering with cars. He never thought twice about befriending a stranger on the side of the road, because he knew he could help. He loved spending time with his wife and children making time for special family trips, always making sure to video tape every moment. He was a loving and caring person with a great sense of humor and was loved by all who knew him. He had a flamboyant way of telling a story or sharing a joke. He was a fearless expressive individual who was a great encourager and motivator with an endless supply of wisdom. Bob was especially proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments in their lives. His love and memories will be forever in our hearts and he will be deeply missed.

The family extends a special thank you to: George and Raphael from Lincare for all your care and support; Cathy Hines from Los Robles Physical Therapy for pushing Bob to exercise; Dr. Starr and staff, Rick Leon for your comfort; Jim and staff at Costco Simi Valley pharmacy; UCLA, Dr Saggar, Eileen and Paul for always giving us hope; Dr. Ghelani for your kindness and patience;and Finally, Buena Vista Hospice Nurses and Staff- Our family cannot thank them enough for their kindness, generosity and comfort given to Bob and our family during this difficult time.

A Visitation will take place at the Griffin Family Funeral Home, 101 East Wilbur Rd., Thousand Okas, CA 91360, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9. Additional services will take place at the M.R. Laurin & Son Funeral Home, Lowell, Mass., with final interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody, Mass. Please visit www.LaurinFuneralHome.com for Guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, please send your donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 811 West Evergreen Avenue Suite 204, Chicago, IL 60642, www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org, or National Military Family Association, 2500 North Van Dorn St. Suite 102, Alexandria, VA 22302-1601, www.militaryfamily.org.