Robert Anthony Klimek, Jr.

Colonel Robert Anthony Klimek, Jr., USAF (Ret.)

"Bob"

November 13, 1933 - January 30, 2026

Robert Anthony Klimek, Jr. was born on November 13, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois. He enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. Following graduation from pilot training with the class of 55-I, he began his Air Force pilot career as a Second Lieutenant. In his flying career he was a flight instructor, a test pilot, and flew the F100. Bob had a 24-year distinguished career in the Air Force rising to Command Pilot with over 5000 hours of flying time and achieving the rank of Colonel. Later in his Air Force career Bob specialized in Electronic Warfare. He served in Vietnam where his focus was saving lives. One of his greatest achievements during his military service in Vietnam was his invention (for which he received a patent) of a device to detect and avoid Russian Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs). Bob's invention was so effective that from its deployment to the end of the Vietnam war only one plane was lost to SAM missiles. The Russian SAMs were totally defeated. Bob recalls that one of his most heart-felt moments was to meet a Vietnam Veteran who said to Bob, "You saved my life." Many lives were saved through Bob's groundbreaking work.

He earned an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado, Master's degree in Engineering Management from George Washington University and a Juris Doctorate degree from Georgetown Law School. He received the Military Merit Medal, Medal for Meritorious Service, Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit.

After his flying career Bob became a lawyer and focused on the practice of Government Contracts and International Contracts. He loved scuba diving, sailing, flying his airplane and traveling the world with his family and friends. This cyclone of activity was affectionately known as "Adventures with Bob."

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lucia Casale; his children Robert Anthony Klimek III, Constance Conway (Wally); his grandson Neil Young (Audrey); and great-grandchildren Peyton and Emma Young. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert Anthony Klimek Sr. and Emma Ellen Klimek (nee Miller); and his brothers Thomas and Richard Klimek.

Family will receive friends at the Lee Funeral Home Calvert, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD 20736 on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. A repast will follow at the Chesapeake Yacht Club located at 4943 Hine Drive, Shadey Side Maryland 20764 from 2:30 - 6:30 pm. A funeral service and interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date.