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. Chuck Duke says:

    Linda and Family,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you always as we remember your Joe. He will always remain in our hearts as the finest and brightest among us. Working for Joe at HQMC was a great opportunity to see what a quality person he was. Because I still support APX (formerly APC), I have had the opportunity to share stories about Joe with the newer generations of officers and SNCO’s. My sincere hope is to keep Joe’s memory alive both in our daily interactions but also in the book I am writing. There is no better example of a life well lived and my sincere hope is to tell Joe’s part of our story. We will always appreciate our time with Joe and hope that his family will enjoy the many memories. Semper Fi Joe Robben. God Speed.

    All Our Love,
    Chuck and Karen Duke

  2. Harry Parmer says:

    So many memories of Colonel Joe Robben .. a mentor, a leader, a friend. Okay, Joe … I hope you have time to scout those beautiful heavenly fields filled with pheasants … leave a few for us, my friend. Until we meet again … Harry Parmer

  3. Dearest Linda and family,

    Joe represented the “gentle” in gentleman. He was a kind and loving soul. I will always remember the time we served together on the Mission Hospital Foundation Board. I looked forward to his opening reflections because they were so meaningful and carefully selected. He was a mentor to many and we all looked up to him. I loved seeing both of you at hospital events, he was the first to smile, say hello and always had encouraging and kind words. He will be deeply missed. Sending all our love and prayers.

    Tom and Margarita Solazzo

  4. Toni Cox says:

    Dear Linda and family.

    What an honor it was to attend your dear Joe’s celebration of life ceremony last evening. Listening to all the loving and heartfelt tributes to his life and character was truly inspirational. He will be remembered and missed by so many.

    You’re in our hearts and prayers.

    Steve and Toni Cox

  5. Linda, I am Bob Kotz, one of the 3 Marine Officers that trained with Joe at the HAWK Missile School in ElPaso, TX at Fort Bliss. Don Bachman and I were roommates with Joe…a smart man and a great Marine. We met you while we were in training…so sorrow hit me hard when I received your email. God Bless you and your family.

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