Robert Paul Ernst, 59, of Chesapeake Beach passed away suddenly on November 9th, 2019. Robert was born on June 27th, 1960 in Cheverly to George & Lillian (Gaither) Ernst. He grew up in Beltsville attending Beltsville Elementary, Beltsville Junior High, where he first met his wife, Tracey, in band class and graduated from High Point High School in 1978. Robert received his Bachelors of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park in May of 1982 and began his career working for Naval Air Systems Command that same month. He married his high school sweetheart, in July of that same year. Robert served at NavAir for 37 years in a variety of positions and through the transition from its Crystal City headquarters to its current Patuxent Naval Air Station facilities. He worked on the F-14 Class Desk, became the S-3 Chief Engineer, was tapped to head the Joint Council on Aging Aircraft working across multiple military branches and private industry, and most recently was the Senior Chief Engineer for the Navy’s Unmanned Air Systems, developing multiple platforms. He also was asked to serve on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident Review Board. He worked with industry contractors and allied military partners around the globe. It was not uncommon for Robert be receiving calls from lots of places in the world at all different times of the day or night. One afternoon commuting home with his summer interning kids, Allison distinctly remembers being told to be quiet as “Somalia’s on the phone.” Another quiet Sunday afternoon, Tracey woke him up from a nap telling him that the Japanese press was on the home telephone line and wanted a statement from him as to what might have caused the Space Shuttle Columbia to have just disintegrated at reentry. Robert and Tracey attended and served in ministry at Chesapeake Church in Huntingtown since 1985. Robert lead the Edge drama ministry when it began, served as a Deacon, taught all age groups of the Childrens’ ministry, cut firewood for families, refereed Upward Soccer, served on the parking team and Park Production teams and was Tracey’s right hand for any ministry need, building sets & zip lines for MEGA Week and doing set up and take down for events. Serving together as a family was what brought him great joy.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carol Ann Matters. He is survived by his wife, Tracey Ernst of Chesapeake Beach; his daughter, Allison and her husband Russell Kerr of Huntingtown; his son, Ryan of Port Republic; his brother, Michael and his wife Brenda Ernst of Winchester, VA and several nieces and nephews.
A service celebrating Robert’s life will be held at Chesapeake Church (6201 Solomons Island Rd., Huntingtown, MD) on Sunday, November 17th at 3 PM. The family will receive guests beginning at 2 PM prior to the service and continue sharing memories with guests at a reception after the service.
In lieu of flowers, please support the Chesapeake Church, Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry effort to provide a complete holiday meal for a needy family through the “Giving Thanks” ministry which was a program that was near and dear to Robert’s heart. (chesapeakechurch.org/giving thanks)
John W. Piasecki, Piasecki Aircraft Corporation
December 2 – Obituary: Robert Paul Ernst
I had the enormous pleasure of working with Bob over the past several years on significant US Naval Air Systems unmanned projects. He was always open and receptive to those of us in industry. We found him to be very creative with a terrific imagination. Bob was always inclusive, seeking thoughts and ideas from all. To me he exemplified the best in what a public official can offer. We will miss him greatly.
Yoram Harosh
November 28 – Obituary: Robert Paul Ernst
I first met Robert few years ago, during one of the JSWAG meetings.
He was full with information and experience.
I am so sorry for his loss, so young with all his life in front of him.
John Bash
November 23 – Obituary: Robert Paul Ernst
Rob taught me the real meaning of deacon. To this day I remember how he freed me to focus on my job as he caught the loose ends with joy, making me laugh is the process. Huge loss. Prayers.
Gregg Sleppy
November 21 – Obituary: Robert Paul Ernst
I worked with Bob over the last few years at Pax River. He was a joy to watch, always leading, always larger than life itself and always the most passionate one in the room about whatever we were doing. He will be sorely missed.
Joan Fratantuono
November 18 – Obituary: Robert Paul Ernst
I first met Rob when he started bringing his Mother (Lil Ernst) to church on Sunday morning. She was in a nursing home and could no longer attend her church (Olivet United Methodist Church) of which she and her husband were members for many years. Rob was always so willing to participate in the service whenever asked. He would speak of his family so often and was so proud of them. He attended our church for four years until his Mother passed away just a few years ago and then he returned to his church and we missed his presence very much. We are all so saddened by this shocking news and we extend our prayers to his wife Tracey and children.
Anna Chester
November 15 – Obituary: Robert Paul Ernst
So sorry for your loss. Unfortunately I will not make it to the service on Sunday as I am out of town, although my thoughts and prayers are with you. I’ll always remember Rob directing the traffic at Chesapeake Church. May God bless all of you with comfort and peace.
Love and Blessings,
Anna Chester
MICHAEL MATTERS
November 14 – Obituary: Robert Paul Ernst
Rob was Uncle Rob to me.
He always lived his life in service to others. He had values taught from his father and he lived his life giving to others.
Life doesn’t make sense all the time. You don’t get to decide when it is time to go. God has a plan. His plan was for him to see his sister , mother ( her birthday that day )father and everyone else in heaven. Everyone he came into contact with was affected by him.
There is a void to never be filled again. – Mike
Gary Blakely
November 14 – Obituary: Robert Paul Ernst
Bob will be truly missed! His efforts at Pax never went unnoticed, a great PAX Professional. To his family, may all the good memories of and with Bob sustain you during this time. Thoughts and prayers.
Rusty
November 14 – Obituary: Robert Paul Ernst
Bob is a faithful man to GOD. He is with Jesus right now, for I am certain of this. I am certain he is praying for the comfort and continued blessings of his family. I am sure he heard the words ” Well done faithful servant”.
I enjoyed working with Bob during the years of the Joint Commission of Aging Aircraft (JCAA). he was a positive driving force at work and a friend forever.
I will pray for Bobs family and friends for blessings and comfort.
Julie Switzer
November 13 – Obituary: Robert Paul Ernst
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I am so grateful to have known Bob for many years throughout his career, both as a mentor and a friend. He was a wonderful person who made me laugh every time I talked with him, and he taught me so much over the years. He leaves a legacy behind in all that he did in support of the Navy, and he will truly be missed by all of those who had the pleasure of working with him.
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