Major Robert Joseph Regan Jr., USMC, Ret

Major Robert Joseph Regan Jr., USMC, Ret

March 13, 1938 - January 10, 2022
Mission Viejo California

Major Robert Joseph Regan Jr., USMC, Ret

March 13, 1938 - January 10, 2022
Mission Viejo California

Obituary

Major Robert J. Regan, USMC, Retired, passed away at home in Mission Viejo on January 10, 2022; at the age of 83. His wife Lynda and their 5 children were with him in his last few days. He was born (March 13, 1938) and raised in Brooklyn, NY to parents Virginia and Robert Joseph Regan Sr. As the only boy, he was the second of four children. He grew up surrounded by a large extended Irish, Catholic family. He enjoyed playing stick ball and played baseball throughout his school years. As an avid fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, he spent many days hopping the fence to watch them play. Bob never forgave them for leaving Brooklyn after winning the 1955 World Series. Following his graduation from Brooklyn Prep, he went on to attend and graduate from St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania, where he met and married his wife, Lynda.

Major Regan’s 20-year career in the Marine Corps began straight out of college. Some highlights of service included: earning the Pistol Sharpshooters Badge; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Star; serving on the USS Capricornus in the Mediterranean Sea and Caribbean; participating in Operation Bold Mariner, the largest amphibious operation carried out during the Vietnam Conflict; being awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, with three stars; being awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V device for Valor. Major Regan retired out of El Toro MCAS in September 1980. Bob continued careers as a Scheduling Engineer at CF Braun and as the Operations Manager for the Santa Margarita Water District, until retiring in 1998.

In retirement, Bob enjoyed spending time with his six grandchildren. Bob spent his days playing tennis and golf, meeting with the Birthday Boyz (his retired service buddies) for lunch, and spending time at home in his office (The Cave). There he worked on the computer while watching his favorite shows, movies and sports; The Andy Griffith Show, Gunsmoke, The Godfather and all John Wayne movies. His Irish lineage made him a true Notre Dame fan and his days stationed in the DC area made him a diehard Washington, Redskins fan. The family knew to schedule family brunches around televised Golf tournaments – especially any time Jordan Spieth was playing. He enjoyed Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, and Abba – once asked what his favorite song was, we all expected him to name a Johnny Cash song. His answer, “Fernando”, the unexpected response sent us into surprised laughter. During the pandemic Bob filled his time playing Train Dominos with his family; always asking “Who’s the Boss?”. Anyone who knew Bob knows HE WAS the Boss. Bob was known for his quick wit, sense of humor and his storytelling talents. He was loved, and is already missed.

The family is grateful for the wonderful care Bob received from his team of doctors and nurses over the years.  Bob and Dr. Duc Pham had a wonderful respect and rapport, enjoying the jokes and banter during appointments. We cannot say enough about Dr. Michael Haga and his entire home health care team. They gained Bobs trust quickly and treated him with kindness, compassion and humor.

Major Regan was a proud Marine who always said, “serving in the Marine Corps was one of the best decisions I ever made,along with marrying Lynda”. Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lynda, daughters Lynda Regan, Cheryl Regan, Laura (Tom) Hession, Christine (Justin) Jackson, and his son, Bobby (Jamie) Regan and his grandchildren; Michael, Brenna and Regan Hession, Justin and Kayla Jackson and Bradey Regan. Bob is also survived by his sisters Ginny (Paul) Myers, Claire (Neil) Cleary and Ruth Regan-Walicki and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

In Memory of Major Robert Regan join our family at O’Connor’s Mortuary at 2pm February 8th followed by a gathering of family, friends and loved ones to raise a glass, share stories and meet old friends to say good-bye to a one of a kind at the Mission Viejo Country Club.

A Service with full military honors will be held the following day at Miramar National Cemetery at 2pm.  Check in is required, Cars will be lined up and escorted to the service promptly at 1:50 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in honor of Major Robert J Regan Jr
Tunnel to Towers Foundation
https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout
Gary Sinise Foundation
https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/

 

Memorial Service

  • Date & Time: February 8, 2022 (2:00 PM)
  • Venue: O'Connor Mortuary
  • Location: 25301 Alicia Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92653 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 581-4300

Graveside Service

  • Date & Time: February 9, 2022 (2:00 PM)
  • Venue: Miramar National Cemetery
  • Location: 5795 Nobel Drive San Diego, CA 92122 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (858) 658-7360

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5 responses to Major Robert Joseph Regan Jr., USMC, Ret

  1. Tony Hidalgo says:

    I was saddened to hear about Bob. I will always remember him not only as my boss at SMWD, but his friendship, and encouragement he gave to me. Bob always had a joke for me at work. I always told him I would make him proud, and hoped I did. Love and prayers for him, Linda, and family.

  2. Tony Hidalgo says:

    I was saddened to hear about Bob. I will always remember him not only as my boss at SMWD, but his friendship, and encouragement he gave to me. Bob always had a joke for me at work. I always told him I would make him proud, and hoped I did. Love and prayers for him, Lynda, and family.

  3. My visits with Bob were few but memorable. The twinkle in his eyes was lovely to see. He had an exemplary career in the Marines and beyond. His love and joy in his family very apparent. Our love and prayer to Lynda, Lynda, Cheryl, Chris and Rob. Our love especially to Laura and Tom, Michael, Brenna and Regan. Love to Justin and Kayla and to Bradley.
    Deirdre and Donald Cerasa

    May the road rise up to meet you
    May the wind be always at your back;
    May the sun shine warm upon your face;
    the rain fall soft upon your fields
    And until we meet again,
    may God hold you in the palm of
    His hand.

  4. We will always remember the many wonderful times spent with Bob thru our long time association in the Deane Club TennisGroup and attending parties and birthday celebrations together. Bob was a very caring person, putting family first and always having his great humor to add to any occasion. He will be missed by all. God Bless and rest in Peace dear friend.

  5. Bobby was a stand up person. If help was needed, he would be first there. Knew him in Brooklyn and at St Francis and really had a great time socializing with him and many friends we had in common. He will be so missed by his family and all who knew him. RIP Bob.

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