Robert 'Bob' Sieminski, USAF Veteran, Father, Husband, 80

DOVER - Robert Joseph Sieminski Sr., a Korean War veteran and Delaware native, died of pneumonia Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008, Veteran's Day, at the age of 80. He'd suffered from vascular dementia for more than 15 years. Known as Bob, he served 24 years in the U.S. Air force, rising to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, the highest ranking non-commissioned officer in the service. By federal law, only one percent of Air Force enlisted personnel may hold that rank. Bob handled civil and flight engineering assignments at bases across the U.S. and the globe. He built runways and hangers while managing air and missile crews at bases in Japan, Korea, the Azores Islands, Germany, Wyoming, California and New Jersey. After leaving the military, Bob moved back to his native state and worked as a loan officer at Wilmington Trust Bank in Dover, until his retirement from that position. He's survived by two sisters, Martha Husfelt of Middletown, and Ann Weber of Smyrna; and a sister-in-law, Louise Sieminski of Newark. He's also survived by seven children, Robert Sieminski of Phillips, Maine, Rick Sieminski of Frederica, Randy Sieminski of Salem, Mass., Vicki Tinsley of Greensburg, Pa., Valerie Feeley of Wilmington, Russell Sieminski of Milford, and Ronald Sieminski of Waxhall, N.C. He was enormously proud of his 11 grandchildren, Wyatt Sieminski of Phillips, Maine, Jonathan and Christopher Sieminski of Frederica, Lauren Sieminski of Salem, Mass., Thomas Tinsley and Nichole Tinsley, of Greensburg, Pa., Patrick Feeley, of Wilmington, Ryan Sieminski and Tyler Sieminski, of Dover, and Andrew and Brandon Sieminski, of Waxhall, N.C. Bob enjoyed spending time with family, fishing, and feeding and watching birds. He was a devout Roman Catholic who faithfully attended mass every Sunday. His later years were challenging. He was diagnosed with vascular dementia and lost his wife, Mickey to kidney cancer in 1993. The dementia took its toll, robbing Bob of his memory. Daughter Vicki, an LPN, oversaw his care for more than 10 years. He loved to joke and tease and could get a smile out anyone he met. He was father, brother, grandfather, brother-in-law, chief master sergeant, father-in-law and friend. He will be missed by all. Services will be held on Monday Nov. 17, 2008 with a viewing at 9:30 a.m. in Beeson Funeral Home, 2053 Pulaski Highway Newark, DE, 19702. The Funeral Mass will be 11:30 a.m. in St. Margaret of Scotland Roman Catholic Church, 2431 Frazer Road, Newark, DE 19707. Burial will be 1 p.m. in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE 19701.