Joseph Robben

Joseph Robben

September 01, 1942 - May 31, 2017

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.

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40 responses to Joseph Robben

  1. Linda and Family,
    Our Condolences on this sad occasion. But I remember Joe with that infectious smile shown on his photo here. He was a professional Marine who made a difference. He was fun to be with and interesting to talk with. We served together at El Toro and Okinawa more than once, and at multiple planning conferences and on deployments. His opinions were widely sought and enacted into actions of national import.
    We miss you, Joe.
    Sayonara and SEMPER FI,
    Bob and Kuniko

  2. DeNisi says:

    Rest in Peace..Colonel “Jose” You’re probably already in charge of St. Michael’s troops up there. Miss you buddy!
    Love,
    Dick and Sharon DeNisi

  3. We were very sad to hear of Joe’s “transfer” to the legion of Marines who have gone before to serve their tour guarding heaven’s gate. I was privileged to serve with Joe beginning in the early 1970’s and immediately was impressed by Joe’s professionalism, can do spirit, and willingness to help others to be successful. Over the next 20 plus years, when our Marine Corps careers crossed paths, Joe always made it a very positive and enjoyable experience. He gave generously to others, exemplifying all that is good and virtuous as a Marine and friend.

    Our thoughts & prayers are with Linda, family & friends during this difficult time of saying good-bye,may all your wonderful memories with Joe over the years give you comfort through the difficult times. God Bless.

    Semper Fidelis, Ken & Susan Brown, Colonel, USMC (Retired)

  4. Larry Groves says:

    So many of us over the years sought opportunities to work for “Gentleman Joe”. Those of us lucky enough to serve under him learned by his example to perform the mission well while treating our fellow Marines with dignity and respect. Joe made a lasting impact on all the many lives he touched, and we are all better for having served with him.

    Larry and Yoshia Groves

  5. Joe Robben was one of the finest, most giving, gentlemen I have ever met in my entire life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

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