Joseph Robben
September 01, 1942 - May 31, 2017
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Joseph Robben
September 01, 1942 - May 31, 2017
Obituary
JOSEPH WILLIAM ROBBEN, JR., 74, Colonel, United States Marine Corps (Ret), peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of May 31, 2017 at his home in San Clemente, CA, with his wife, Linda, at his side.
Born September 1, 1942, this native of Hoxie, Kansas, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in June 1964 and retired from active duty in June 1994. During a 30-year career, he commanded from 35 to 3,100 Marines as a platoon, battery, squadron and group Commanding Officer. His final three-year assignment was as the Chief of Staff, Marine Air Bases Western Area and Marine Corps Air Station El Toro.
His first combat service was as Commanding Officer of Battery “B”, lst Light Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion near Danang, Republic of Vietnam in 1967-1968. His second tour of combat service was twenty-three years later in Desert Shield/Storm. As Officer in Charge and Principal Planner for Marine Aviation Operations at U.S. Air Forces Central Command in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he was a member of a team that developed the offensive air battle into Kuwait and Iraq the night of January 16, 1991.
Colonel Robben’s awards include three Legions of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V”, Combat Action Ribbon, various unit, combat service and humanitarian awards. He holds degrees from Creighton University and the University of Southern California. He is a graduate of the National War College and the Defense Systems Management College.
On July 1, 1994, Joe became Manager, Communications Division, County of Orange responsible for public safety radio communications for the County and 31 cities. He retired in July 2004 as Division Director.
Beginning in 2006 Joe served in numerous roles in support of the Sisters of St. Joseph and Mission Hospital, his last being on the Board of Trustees since 2012.
Joe is survived by his wife Linda of 50 years, daughter Christina Braggiotti and husband John; brothers and sisters: Bert, Laura, Annet, John, and Marsy, their spouses, five nieces and five nephews.
Military Committal Services and burial will take place on Wed., June 14, at Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego.
In lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation in Joe’s name to Mission Hospital Foundation, 27700 Medical Center Road, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, Tel. (949) 364-7783.
40 responses to Joseph Robben
Meg and Gordy Delo says:
June 10, 2017
Linda ~ It breaks our hearts to hear of this, but not for Joe…for you and Christi and John. We know that Joe is no longer suffering and, I’m sure, has already heard those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” from his Lord and Savior. You were so blessed to have had each other, and you were such a witness to everyone around you! You could not have treated him any better or cared for him and encouraged him more lovingly than you did. You and your family are in our prayers at this time of sadness.
Monte Knippel says:
June 10, 2017
It brings me great sadness to learn of his passing. I served as one of his drivers during his tenure as the Chief of Staff at MCAS El Toro. As a young Marine he guided and instilled in me values that I would carry on throughout my career in the Marine Corps. Thank you Sir & Mrs. Robben for always looking out for me and all of us Marines.
I pray that lord brings peace and comfort for all of his family during these difficult times.
Alex Lancaster says:
June 11, 2017
RIP, we’ve come a long way – and many wars – since we met at 1st LAAM Bn at Danang, Joe. Will miss you!
Condolences to Linda and the Family with the hope that the meaningful moments of your time with Joe in good days will sustain you through these days. Remember the good times ….
Bill Bowling says:
June 11, 2017
Our deepest condolences go out to the Robben family. For me, as I suspect many others of my shipmates would agree, Col Joe Robben was the whole-package. Not only did he embody our Marine Corps leadership traits – honor, courage and commitment, but he was the ultimate military professional, patriot and family man. He was also my friend, mentor and, at times over the years, my confidant. I feel so privileged to have served with you and will miss you old friend. Rest in peace. Semper Fi.
Col William Bowling, U.S. Marine Corps – Retired. (Bill & Sherri)
Bill Macbeth says:
June 11, 2017
It was an honor to meet Joe and become friends
in the early 70’s when we both served in the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA). Our friendship was renewed many years later when we were both retired and attending Marine Birthday celebrations together in Laguna Beach. He was a proud Marine and a very good man. He’ll be missed.
Bill Macbeth