Obituary of Robert Sean Roarty

Age 53, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, June 30, 2012. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, May 20, 1959, he moved with his family to Tampa, Florida, in 1973, and in 1978 graduated from Tampa Catholic High School, where he excelled as an athlete in track and field. Over a three year span he won 35 of 36 duel meet competitions in the mile-run, and was a State Championship finalist in each of those same three years. To this day, Robert is still the school record-holder for the individual mile run, as well as record-holder as a member of the one-mile relay team. He received numerous university scholarship offers, including a 4 year offer from the U. S. Naval Academy. He accepted a scholarship from the University of Richmond, VA where he attended one year before enlisting in the U. S. Air Force in 1982. Robert’s 12 years active duty service followed by a 10 year service in the Air Force Reserves was marked with extraordinary achievements and awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, multiple Air Force Commendation Medals, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Outstanding Unit award. While assigned as a Target Intelligence Craftsman, Robert was hand-picked to serve as Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC) within Target Intelligence for the 4450th Tactical Group and 37th Fighter wing, which flew the F-117A Stealth Fighter. Robert retired as an Air Force Master Sergeant. Overlapping his period of service with Air Force Reserves was his employment with State Farm Insurance Companies, a term which had exceeded 13 years at the time of his passing. Robert worked mostly within the Special Investigative Unit, and was known for having a passion for investigation and training others about insurance fraud. He was an active member of Western States Auto Theft Investigation Assn. and Puget Sound Special Investigators. He completed his interrupted college career by obtaining a degree from George Fox University, a Christian University of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Newberg, Oregon. He was very active in his community and church, serving on the Board of Directors for Communities in Schools of Lakewood and St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church Pastoral Council. Robert is survived by his wife, Angela Gray Roarty, and their daughter, Gabrielle Alyssa Roarty. He is also survived by his parents, Michael and Judith Roarty of Tampa, Florida and two brothers, Kevin Roarty of Largo, Florida, Mark Roarty of Poland, Ohio, and sister Susan Roarty of Cleveland, Ohio. Robert was preceded in death by his grandparents, Helen and Joseph Roarty. Visitation Thursday, July 5th, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 11020 South Tacoma Way (back gate of McChord AFB), Lakewood, WA 98499. Memorial Services beginning 11:00 a.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 5505 108th Street, S. W. Lakewood, WA. Reception follows at 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Burial service at 2:15 p.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 Southeast 240th Street, Kent, Washington. Memorial donations to St. Frances Cabrini School are welcomed. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008.