Robert (Bob) John Sullens, 77, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025 surrounded by his wife and children. He is survived by his beloved wife Nancy, of 24 years, his loving children Rob Sullens, Rebecca Anderson (Mike), his brother Paul Petersen (Karen), aunt Rose Marie Giovenco, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Lillian Sullens, his sisters Doris Myers and Jean Bollack and brother Jimmy Sullens.
He graduated from Baltimore City College High School. He continued his education at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and graduated with an Airframe and Power Plant License. He worked as an aircraft mechanic, retired after 30 years with US Airways.
Bob joined the U.S. Navy on the buddy system with Paul Arnold in January 1967. He proudly served on the USS Kearsarge Aircraft carrier on the flight deck crash crew from 1967-1968 and in Vietnam as a crew chief door gunner with the highly decorated U.S Navy Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Number 3, The Ha(L)-3 Seawolves, Detachment 7.
He worked with the Navy Seals and Riverine Patrol Boats during the Vietnam Tet offensive from 1968-1969. Bob was awarded many combat medals including an air medal with a bronze star for his bravery and leadership. His commitment to his country was unwavering. His courage and devotion to duty under intense enemy fire, was nothing short of heroic. He was inducted into the prestigious Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Enlisted Aircrew Roll of Honor on September 8, 2023 for his Military Service in Vietnam from September 1968-1969.
After retirement he and his business partner, Dave Kyle, started D&B Fabrication, where they listened to radio, drank coffee and had occasional beers. Their work day began at 10am, lunch from Noon to 2pm, and closed at 3pm. Each Wednesday they played volleyball at Clearwater Beach with friends. Life was good!!
Bob found joy in boating, fishing, scalloping, playing volleyball, traveling in his RV, deer hunting and being with family and friends. He was a member of the American Legion and Fraternal Order of the Eagles.
A celebration of Life will take place at Gulf Harbors Civic Association, 4610 Floramar Terrace, New Port Richey, FL on April 30, 2025, from 12pm – 4pm, with a Military Honors Service at 3:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Bob’s memory to your choice of charity.
Gulf Harbor Civic Association
Paul and Karen
April 19, 2025, 4:15 pm
He was one of a kind. The best friend, best brother, generous, always wanted your company and loved us with all his heart. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Our hearts are broken but we know he would not want us to be sad. We have only the best memories of him and our times together. So, until we meet again and I’m certain we will, we will talk about all the crazy times and the fun we all shared. We love you Bob ❤️
Richard Mossman
April 19, 2025, 6:06 pm
Rembering the many deer hunting trips with Bobby and the rest of the crew,where success was measured not so much by deer taken,but who won the most at poker.Even though I hadn’t seen him in several years,I thought of him often.He will be sorely missed.
Sheila and Tom martin
April 19, 2025, 8:42 pm
For the 20 plus years we knew Bobby,
On the volleyball court and off, he made a difference in the lives of people around him. He was just a genuinely great person and friend. We had many good laughs, a few cries, and some friendly competitive, fun games. He will be missed dearly by many and definitely by us. RIP my friend.
Jeff Ruhling
April 21, 2025, 1:29 pm
Some of the best times of my life were with Bobby and the guys at the hunting camp. 30+ years worth of hunting fun and laughter. Bob was
Always smiling and had a one of a kind laugh. We had the best of times during that week of hunting each year. I will alway cherish those memories and our friendship and that time together. So glad we all have tons of pictures. The world was a better place with you in it. Until we all meet up again and we will, rest easy my friend. P.s. Bobby my youngest got his first deer this year in that same area you and me scouted out 3 plus decades ago. I shared with him the times we had and that some of those trail markers were placed by you and me.
Edward M Myers
April 21, 2025, 2:51 pm
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of my uncle Bob. He has and always will be a inspiration in my life. We have lived many miles apart for years but we always tried to keep in touch. I got to visit with him and his lovely wife Nancy a few years ago and I am so glad to have done that. I just wanted to say that me and my family here in Maryland are so saddened by this news and that we loved him and that he will never be forgotten. And my prayers go out to Nancy and the rest of the family.
Claire Prajzner
April 21, 2025, 4:18 pm
I didn’t see Mr. Bob very many times, but when I did I was always so happy. I wish I could have seen him more often. My family told me when I was very young he used to take us out on his boat, and I trusted him to take me out on islands to get seashells when nobody else could get me off the boat. Even though I don’t remember, I like knowing about the good times I had with him. He treated my like family even though I wasn’t really blood related to him. I’ll always be thankful that he shared a little bit of his Vietnam experience with me, it gave me a new perspective on Veterans and the things they did for our country. I’ll always remember you and the time I spent with you. Love you Mr. Bob, and you too Mrs. Nancy
Paul Arnold
April 22, 2025, 9:37 pm
Bob and I joined the Navy, January 1967 and went to boot camp under the buddy system. We both were stationed on the USS Kearsarge CVS-33 and later attended A school in Memphis, Tennessee. Bob served a year in Vietnam with honors. He was attached to the Seawolves a helicopter squadron. Post service we both attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. Thru the years we have stayed in touch. My wife Barb and I enjoyed our get togethers with Nancy and Bob, especially the RV trips. I am honored to have known Bob ( Sully) as a shipman and friend for 58 years. I will dearly miss him.
Jill and Mike Rambo.
April 24, 2025, 1:28 pm
One of the best! Always smiling and such fun to be around. Mike loved hearing his stories of being a door gunner. Our hearts go out to you and your family.
Frank Gale
April 30, 2025, 1:14 am
Sully was a special person in my life. We flew hundreds of combat missions together with the Navy Seawolves and carried that bond forged in Vietnam throughout the years that followed. Thankfully, we were able to see each other in person last Sept. in Oklahoma City at a Seawolf Reunion. RIP Shipmate, you will be missed.
Robert Tonova
April 30, 2025, 12:35 pm
I’ve known Bobby primarily through volleyball and was quite astonished to hear about his heroic past, he was truly a great guy… And to this day my children who are now grown adults remember the guy with the foot-shaped sandals playing volleyball thank you for your service Bobby. You will be missed