Robert H. Tooley of Cocoa Beach, Florida was a veteran, a husband, and a loving father. Tooley was born and raised in Palatka, Florida where he graduated from Palatka High School.  Mr. Tooley later served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 – 1955.  His service to the country was recognized with both a Good Conduct Medal and a National Defense Service Medal.

After his separation from the military, Mr. Tooley attended Florida A&M University where he majored in Mathematics with a minor degree in Physics.  In 1962 Mr. Tooley continued his service to the country by beginning a distinguished 30-year career with NASA where he received numerous awards and commendations for his work as an Electronics Engineer and became a trailblazer for equal rights and mentoring as a member of the KSC Black Employee Strategy Team.

In his personal time, Mr. Tooley, a devoted Christ-follower, dedicated his life to reading, understanding, and teaching the scriptures.  He worshipped at Park Avenue Baptist Church where he was a soloist with the Worship Arts Ministry.

Two sons, Todd Tooley and Derrick Tooley, preceded Mr. Tooley in death as well as two of his own siblings Joan Tooley and Otis Tooley. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Tooley; his sister Carolyn Tooley Atkins of Gainesville; his nephew Mark Atkins; and four adult children Martin Tooley of Daytona Beach; Brett Tooley, of Titusville; Tracey Tooley Means of Titusville; and Karen Tooley Curry also of Titusville.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to one of Mr. Tooley’s chosen charities; March of Dimes, Feed the Children, or The American Cancer Society.