Birth date: Aug 30, 1934 Death date: Nov 4, 2016
Admiral Robert Lee Toney Robert Lee Toney, Rear Admiral (“RADM”) U.S. Navy (retired) passed away peacefully on November 4, 2016, in San Francisco, California. His full and well-lived life included a distinguished naval career, a l Read Obituary
Rear Admiral Bob Toney was a personal friend of mine, along with Flora, his wife, and his brothers Sam, Walter, Glen and his sister Virginia. At the time of his death, I had moved to Botswana. I am writing this little note now to let them all know that I am mentioning them in my memoir which I hope to finish within the next year. Bob and Flora lived on the first floor and I lived with Lonnie Poindexter on the 3rd floor. We enjoyed each other’s company.
Dear Admiral Toney,
I was saddened when I read this today. It’s been 31 years since I left Treasure Island SF. I will never forget you Sir. You were the first Admiral I worked for as a 3rd Class Petty Officer. During my first day as your duty driver, you asked me to see you in your office. I didn’t know what to expect but you said I didn’t deserve that job that I was called to do better things. You recommended for 3 C Schools. So I made top honors to make you proud! I served under your great leadership as one of your Navy Chefs at the NIMITZ House until Admiral Bitoff took over. Mrs Toney was so kind to me and you visited my family in our Navy home in Treasure Island during my daughters first birthday. I remember you carrying my daughter in your arms. I might still have that picture. Sharon is 33 now and I have 4 grandsons. I remember your children when I served under you and how you and the Mrs were loving parents. I’m became a full time Pastor after I retired in the Navy. I’ve never forgotten you. I will miss you sir. God speed. With all my respect, Ernie (Nestor) de Vega (MSC Ret)
Admiral Toney was a mentor to me and played a large roll in furthering my naval career. It was my honor and privilege to serve as his First Lieutenant in USS ROANOKE (AOR-3) and to serve as escort to Mrs. Toney when he relinquished command of ROANOKE and was promoted to RADM. He honored me by attending my assumption to Command of USS EXCEL ( MSO-439) and subsequently was responsible for my early selection to the rank of Commander. I was chagrined to learn of his passing just recently and offer my belated prayers to his family members.
TO THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY OF REAR ADMIRAL ROBERT LEE TONEY, YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS DURING THIS TIME…. I WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP YOU ALL LIFTED UP IN PRAYER
I am so very sorry for your loss. May your warm and cherished memories of Admiral Toney comfort you until the time when you are reunited. (John 5:28,29)
