Robert F Kampe, 87, of West Hartford, CT died July 16th at Autumn Lake Health Care of New Britain after a long illness. Born August 23, 1929 in Hartford, Bob was the son of Robert H Kampe and Flora Kampe (Koehler). Bob worked tobacco growing up and delivered flowers for the Kampe family florist shop on Main Street in Hartford. Bob graduated from Newington High School in 1947 and was the first NHS graduate to be accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. At the academy, he excelled in soccer, receiving the 1952 soccer alumni trophy.

After graduating from the Naval Academy Class of 1952, Bob reported to flight training and received his pilot's wings. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant and served as a patrol plane commander in squadron VP42, flying patrol missions from the Philippines over the South China Sea during the mid 1950s. He later served as a physics instructor and flight indoctrination instructor at the Naval Academy.

In 1953, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Vivian Olson, and they were the loves of each other's lives for nearly 64 years.

Bob left the Navy in 1958 and began work as an engineer at Chandler Evans Corporation in West Hartford. Bob received his Masters in Electrical Engineering Degree from the University of Connecticut. With the exception of a short stint at United Aircraft's Corporate Systems Center in Farmington, Bob worked at Chandler Evans as an engineer and engineering manager until his retirement in 1993. Bob was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed being with family, playing piano, and he was a life-long New York Yankees fan.

He was predeceased by an infant son, Fred Michael Kampe in 1954. He is survived by his loving wife Vivian, his son Bruce and daughter-in-law Ruth of West Hartford, his son Brandon of Bristol, CT, his grandson Matthew Kampe, granddaughter Sarah Kampe and his sister Paula Lawyer and her husband Donald of Nevada.

A memorial service will be 11 AM on Tuesday, July 25, at First Church of Christ Congregational Chapel, 12 South Main St, West Hartford. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the charity of your choice.