Robert “Dee” Curtis passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026 in Virginia Beach,Virginia. He was born in Miami Grant County, Indiana and raised in Converse, Indiana. Some of his fondest childhood memories were on his grandparents farm.

Dee was predeceased by his wife Mary; parents, Robert and Irene Curtis and sister Sandy. He leaves behind four daughters, two son in laws, Chris and Keith; nine grandchildren, Joey, Trey (Joline), Luke , Layne, Maggie, Emilie, James, Davis; two great grandchildren, Sawyer & Sutton; brother, Larry (Joan), sisters, Joan and Patty; and many loved nieces and nephews.

He was a graduate of Purdue University and had two distinct careers. As a US Naval Commander, Aviation Navigator, Vietnam Veteran, his favorite station was Antarctica. As a civilian Electrical Engineer, he worked at Naval Base Public Works Center Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Norfolk, Virginia.

Dee met his wife Mary while attending Third Presbyterian Church, Norfolk. They soon married and as he stated he “moved into a girl’s dormitory.” Dee deeply loved and cared for Mary’s daughters, Cheryl, Susan, Sharon and Cecilia.

For pleasure, Dee was an avid reader of detective mysteries. In later life, he enjoyed reading the newspaper, especially the comics and letters from his granddaughter Layne.

Dee is remembered for his sense of loyalty, bright smiles, bear hugs, kindness and humor.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all of Dee’s devoted caregivers at Amedysis Hospice and Bay Lake Retirement with special thanks to Kendra, Romona and Lyndsey.

A private ceremony will be held on May 2, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amedysis Hospice- Chesapeake, 1500 Forest Pkwy, Suite 200, Chesapeake, VA 23320. Please offer your sincerest condolences to the family at the Cremation Society of Virginia website.