Commander Robert J. Englert, USN-ret., 79, died of pancreatic cancer on April 3, 2012 at his Gloucester home.

Bob was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, class of 1955. A native of Syracuse, N.Y., he attended Le Moyne College for a year before being selected to attend the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

Bob was a three "N" winner and Captain of the Navy Intercollegiate Sailing Team in 1954-1955. He led the team to a second-place finish in the National Intercollegiate Sailing Championship in 1953-1955. His team won the MAISA championship in 1953 and 1955 for the "America" trophy and Bob was Hi-Point skipper in 1955. Bob was President and Vice-President of MAISA from 1953-1955.

Upon graduation from USNA, he served on the USS Charles S. Sperry (DD697) as ASW Officer. He was transferred to the USS Bache (DDE470) in 1957 as ASW Officer and later Chief Engineer. He was selected for the Naval Construction and Engineering Course at MIT where he received an M.S. in Naval Architecture and the Professional Engineers Degree of Naval Engineer. Following submarine school in Groton, Conn., he reported aboard the USS Clamagore (SS343). He received his dolphins in 1963 and was transferred to Charleston Naval Shipyard as a ship superintendant for various nuclear submarines. He served at SupShip Newport News and NAVSEA, Washington in various submarine/subsafe billets. His final tour was on the submarine INSURV Board under VADM John D. Bulkley.

Upon his retirement, he worked for several engineering firms while getting his Professional Engineering license. In 1985 Bob started his own computerized engraving business, Hi-Tech Engraving, Inc., in Newport News, Va.

Never getting far from the water, Bob was a familiar sight on the Mobjack Bay and Wilson Creek single-handing his 24 ft. Farrier trimaran. He said it was the best boat he ever owned.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, the former Patricia Maguire of Towson, Md.; sons, Bob Jr., Bill, Jim and daughter, Karey, and four grandchildren.

There will be a gathering of friends on Saturday, April 7, 2012, from 4-5:30 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. A memorial service and inurnment will be held 10 a.m. on May 7, 2012 at the U.S. Naval Academy, 101 Cooper Road, Annapolis, Md.