Robert Henry Gustafson

Robert Henry Gustafson, 95, of Williamsburg, VA, and longtime resident of Alexandria, VA, a veteran of WWII, died on April 26, 2016. He was born 10 November 1920, at Mt. Jewett, PA, to Henry Theodor and Adalia Sophia (Wallin) Gustafson. He graduated from Coldstock High School, Titusville, PA, in 1939. During the Great Depression, young Robert helped to support his family of seven by working at five separate jobs simultaneously and going to school. After high school graduation he worked at Strutter Mills, Titusville, manufacturing crankshafts and large parts for US naval ships until he could be inducted into the US Marine Corps on 6 August 1943. He was discharged 17 June 1946. His basic training was at Parris Island, SC; later assignments included USMCB at Cherry Point, NC, overseas in Puerto Rico, and USMCB Quantico, VA. Robert was a US Marine Corporal and took great pride in serving his country as an Aircraft Machinist for the Fourth Marine Air Wing.
Robert was an active member of Olive Branch Christian Church and First Christian Church of Alexandria (Disciples of Christ) where he enjoyed serving as elder, Sunday School teacher, property chairman, choir member and more. He continued his Christian service through extensive volunteering and community service, most notably Alexandria Carpenter’s Shelter, Meals on Wheels (Alexandria), Alzheimer’s Walks and Faith In Action locally.
Robert’s adult life included employment with International Harvester and Caterpillar yet most of his career, and later retirement, was with American Automobile Association and Travelers Insurance. His genuine love of and interest in others was evident and he thrived as a Salesman. Robert was an avid golfer and bowler; his lively, fun yet competitive spirit was palpable on the golf course or bowling team.
Predeceased by former wife, Barbara June (Turner) and young daughter, Robin June, he leaves behind Irma (Boggs Gustafson), wife of 20 years, and a large blended family; son, Samuel Robert Gustafson (Catherine), granddaughter, Amy Rachel, grandsons Benjamin Robert (Vanessa) and Nicholas Paul Samuel Gustafson, all of Columbia, SC; step-daughter, Lisa Sharon Vitek (Robert John), step-granddaughter, Christina Elizabeth Vitek and step-grandson, Robert Tristan Vitek, all of Marion, OH; step-granddaughters Kimberly Victoria Price (Zachary Morris), of Reynoldsburg, OH, and Rebecca Sharon Price, great-granddaughter, Rileigh Ann Price, and great step-grandson, Greyson Lee Jenkins, of Morristown, TN. Additionally Robert is survived by one brother, Russell Maurice Gustafson, of Indiana, PA; as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday April 28 2016, from 6 PM and 8 PM, at Bucktrout of Williamsburg, 4124 Ironbound Road. A Celebration of Life will be held at Olive Branch Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 7643 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188, commencing on Friday, April 29, 2016, at 9:30 AM. Graveside services and interment will follow at 2:00 PM at Mt. Comfort Cemetery, 600 South Kings Highway, Alexandria, VA.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice House & Support Care of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Pkwy., Williamsburg VA 23188, or to Olive Branch Christian Church (address shown above).