South Bend - Robert E. Morin, cherished husband of the late Virginia ("Ginny"), beloved father of Marie Cecile (Gary) Shaw, loving brother of Rev. Benjamin R. Morin, SJ, Arthur Morin, Audrey Gearhart, Paul (Pat) Morin, Rosemarie Hayes and George Morin; and loving brother-in-law of Rita Burks, Mary Agnes Kring and Bob Mosby, fond uncle to many. Preceding him in death were his dear sisters, Sr. Madonna (Mary Noel) Morin, BVM and Joan Mosby.
At seventeen, Bob enlisted in the Army Air Corp from October 1944 to May 1945. World War II was not yet over, but things were winding down and, after being Honorably Discharged from the Army, he enlisted in the Navy. At the naval base, he enjoyed being relatively unsupervised. Once the Commanding Officer found out, Bob got some unsavory assignments, but because he did so well with them (two of his cleaning assignments resulted in passing inspection for the first time in the base''s history), the CO took him under his wing and helped find better opportunities suited to Bob''s talents and work ethic. Eventually Bob had the opportunity to take some engineering classes, and he excelled. This set the path for his future. Bob attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer at the age of 26. He is a veteran of the Korean War, having served as Leading Petty Officer, Electrical Division aboard the USS Leyte, supervising the aviation engineering work maintaining planes for Fighter Squadron Thirty One, and receiving a Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. He had fond memories of traveling around the world twice in his early years of service. In later years, Bob enlisted in the Naval Reserve. After completing 20 years of service, he retired as Senior Chief Petty Officer.
After leaving the Navy in 1953, he entered Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana, and was conferred with two engineering degrees. After graduation, he started working at Bendix, where he met Ginny, whom he always called "My Heart."
In 1961 Bob and Ginny left Mishawaka for Glen Ellyn, Illinois and Bob launched a 30 year career in with "Ma Bell," Illinois Bell in Chicago. He was one of three Illinois Bell engineers supporting a televised transatlantic call between Chicago''s Mayor Richard J. Daley and an official of a Scandinavian country.
After retiring to Sun City West, Arizona, Bob was active in VFW Post 10695 and served as the Post Commander from 1996 to 2001. He was active in raising funds for the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, as well as the Veterans Helping Veterans Project planning the Memorial Day services. He was also active in American Legion Post 94.
Bob was active in St. Vincent de Paul Society.
A self-proclaimed audiophile, he loved music throughout his life, especially Big Band Era music and instrumentals of Opera scores.
Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 Friday October 17, 2014 in St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Rd. Granger IN with Rev Msgr. William C. Schooler and Rev. Lawrence Gearhart concelebrating. In lieu of flowers the family prefers that memorials be directed to Jesuit Missions International, C/O Fr. John Libens, Colonbiere Center, 9075 Big Lake Rd, Clarkston MI 48346, to continue the mission work of Robert''s brother, Fr. Ben Morin in Peru (S.A.). Burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Arrangements through Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy. To sign the guestbook, offer condolences or to view the full obituary, please visit www.chapelhillmemorial.com.