Robert D. O'Keefe was 67 years old and passed away on October 5, 2018. Born in Hampton on June 8, 1951 he was a 1969 graduate of Kecoughtan High School. He joined the United States Marine Corps on April 4, 1969 and was trained as an avionics technician at NAS Memphis. Robert was honorably discharged from active duty in the United States Marine Corps as a Sergeant (E-5) in 1973. He served an additional three years in the active reserves.

In December of 1979 Robert took a position as an Electrical Quality Inspector in the Nuclear Quality Control Department at Newport News Shipbuilding where he retired in January 2017 with over 37 years of service. He has worked on new construction of Nimitz class carriers, Virginia class cruisers, Los Angeles and Virginia class submarines. As an Inspection Supervisor he took part in the third refueling and fourth overhaul of America's first nuclear powered aircraft carrier the USS Enterprise CVN65.

Robert was a 42-year member of American Legion, Phoebus Post 48. He was awarded Post Legionnaire of the year in 1984 and a Life membership in 1997. He is a two term Post Commander 1985 – 87 and has continuously served as Post Adjutant since Legion year 1994. He has held various committee assignments and positions in the 3rd District including several terms as Adjutant and Vice Commander. He served as District Commander in 2000 and on several Department Committees including VA&R and JROTC Drill Team. Robert has been a counselor at American Legion Boys State of Virginia for 19 years including numerous years as a counselor in charge of one of its cities and three years as Deputy Director of Boys State.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents John and Isabel O'Keefe and his three brothers Johnny, Mike and Pat. In addition to his wife Sharon Newman O'Keefe, he is survived by two sons Robert, Jr. (Heather) and Shawn (Kafi) and three grandsons Michael, Mark and Christopher.

The family will receive friends from 4-6 pm Thursday October 11 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home. His funeral service will be held at 11 am Friday, October 12, 2018 at the Greater Discipleship Center at 1307 LaSalle Avenue, Hampton. The interment will follow at 1 pm at Albert G Horton Jr Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA. There will be a reception following the graveside service at the church.