Robert €Œbob” Fre Riordan

Robert "Bob" Frederick Riordan of Bluffton, SC, (formerly of Lawrence, KS) passed away on October, 18, 2014. On May 24, 1942, he was born the eldest of the late Patrick Xavier Riordan and Edna Elizabeth Parris Riordan's four sons. He graduated Valedictorian from Sacred Heart High School in Salina, KS in 1960 and received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1964 and was married to the former Pamela Elizabeth Sutton on June 4, 1964. Bob served his country for 11 years while on active duty as a naval officer, and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander. His service to our country included numerous deployments to Vietnam and he served on the USS Haverfield (DER 393) and the USS New Orleans (LPH-11). In 1971, he received his Master's Degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Fort Ord, CA. Bob had a long career in government affairs for national and world wide energy research and development. In 2008, he retired as Vice President/Director of Government Affairs for Black & Veatch. Bob always put his family first, and was a loving and caring husband, father and Papa. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Pamela Sutton Riordan and 3 children, Robert Patrick Riordan (Carrie) of Topeka, KS, Elizabeth Parris Orr (John) of Lilburn, GA and Anastasia Marie Romero (Adrian) of Westchester, IL; 5 grandchildren, Justin and Julia Orr, and Adrian (A.J.), Claudia and Elizabeth Romero. In addition, he leaves his 3 brothers, Michael Riordan (Kathy) of Prairie Village, KS, John Riordan of Chicago, IL, and Dan Riordan, (Julie) of Chicago, IL. Throughout his life, Bob was a man of integrity, honor, and loyalty as shown through his service to his country, dedication to his career, and devotion to his family and friends. Catholic Mass will be held on Friday, October 31, 2014 at 10:30 AM at St Francis By the Sea Church 45 Beach City Rd Hilton Head Island, SC. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2014 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Sauls Funeral Home 90 Simmonsville Road Bluffton, SC. The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America Local Chapter 780, Charleston, SC www.vva.org in his memory. His ashes will be interred with full military honors at the United States Naval Academy at a later date. Sauls Funeral Home (www.saulsfh.com) of Bluffton, SC is assisting the family with their arrangements. Catholic Mass will be held on Friday, October 31, 2014 at 10:30 AM at St Francis By the Sea Church 45 Beach City Rd Hilton Head Island, SC. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2014 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Sauls Funeral Home 90 Simmonsville Road Bluffton, SC.