Robert D. Haetinger
Virginia Beach – STG1SW/IUSS Robert “Rob” Douglas Haetinger, 40, died March 24, 2015. Rob was born in Springfield, MA to Carl Haetinger, Jr. and the late Cecile “Francine” Boudrias. He retired from the US Navy after 20 years on February 22, 2015. Rob’s passion was photography, he was the owner of SARgeek PHOtography, enjoyed Marvel Comics, legos, fixing cars and playing the guitar. Rob had earned the highest rank obtainable, Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America prior to joining the Navy.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Lillian Haetinger age 9 of Chesapeake, and Travis Helsel age 6 of Virginia Beach; sister, Sherry Haetinger of Oviedo, FL; father, Carl Haetinger, Jr. of East Longmeadow, MA; and a host of other family and friends.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 4, from 2:00 pm until 4:00pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Chesapeake. Condolences may be expressed to the family at altmeyer.com.
He will be missed by many. God speed to paradise my Travis’ father.
I am so sorry for your loss. Rob will be missed greatly. I have a lot of memories of from as a kid. One of the best ones are playing hid and seek a Damond’s house.
I had to opportunity to know Rob personally and professionally. He was passionate about music, speedy foreign cars, photography, unpopular opinions, his truck, his career, and most of all his two children. He was funny and unique. He was a hopeless romantic. He could make you mad one second and be your best friend the next. He knew just what to say at just the right time and was never at a loss for words. To Lily and Travis, your father loved you both more than words could ever express. He always lit up with pride whenever he spoke of you. I am so sorry for your loss and I hope that you focus on the many wonderful memories of your dad in the years to come. To Rob, I hope that you have found peace in the stars that you were never able to find here on earth. We will genuinely miss your rants, your creativity, and most of all your laugh. Fairwinds and following seas, my friend. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face
I proudly served with Rob onboard the USS ROSS DDG-71. My heartfelt condolences to all of his family. May your memories help carry you through this difficult time. My Memory will always be a Hero that served his country.
I served with Rob and I am a fellow Plankowner of USS Ross DDG-71. My heart goes out to Rob’s family and friends. You remain in my thoughts and prayers for peace and healing. Rest in Peace Rob. Thank You for serving your country.
I served with Rob on the USS Mason. Rob was a great guy and very funny. I remember listening to music with him on deployment as we had the same taste in music. Rob will surely be missed
It was an Honor to have served with you on the Mighty Ross DDG71 . Prayers to your Friends and Family. RIP Plankowner.
May God comfort all during this time.
My deepest sympathies and condolences to all who had the fortune of knowing Rob. He and I had met many years ago sharing a love of motorcycles and speed in what was a much simpler time. My thoughts and prayers to his family he left behind…
My deepest sympathies. I served with Rob onboard USS Mason DDG-87 he was a great friend and mentor.
My heart aches for the immense loss of such an incredible person. I had the pleasure of meeting Rob in sonar school and we continued our friendship over a couple years, spent mostly arguing just about every topic imaginable. Rob was probably the most opinionated man I’ve ever known, which drove me crazy at first, but I learned to see the passion behind his words and the fire in his heart. Rob looked out for me in the Navy and always had some kind words of wisdom to help me make it through some tough days. Rob was was a unique and extraordinary person to know. I’m so lucky to have called him my friend and shipmate. My deepest condolences to his family, especially his sweet children. I know they held a very special place in his heart because his eyes would light up at the very mention of their names. I pray you find peace and solace in your memories of your father.
My heartfelt condolences go out to all who shared moments in life with our fallen shipmate. God bless.
Prayer & hugs *—-“—-* to you all. Rob will be greatly missed.
Rob and I served on the USS MASON DDG 87. I will always remember him playing guitar and singing. My heart goes out to his friends and family. Rest easy Shipmate. YNCSW Eric Wilmoth
Sending love and condolences to my sister and niece in their time of grief. Im beyond sorry for the loss of Rob in your lives and wish I could be there with you. I love you.
There is so much I want to share…but all I can say is that I simply ache. I feel like it is not enough to send my condolences as I know that those words alone won’t ease the pain of those closest to him. But, I hope that God strengthens your heart as you move through the rest of your days. I know as I play through my memories, tears will fall and smiles will abound. His sensitivity, his heart, his talent, his knowledge, and of course his d*mn opinions have forever changed the course of my life. Thank you, Rob, for always just being you. May God bring us all peace, love, and understanding…
I’ll always love you