Rear Admiral Robert Burke Abele, USN (Ret.) 91, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, husband of the late Lois Herman Abele entered into eternal rest Thursday, June 4, 2026. His quick smile, sarcastic wit, servant heart, and booming laugh will be missed by so many.

Bob was born March 3, 1935, in Evanston, Illinois, son of the late Harold William Abele and the late Madelyn Burke Abele. Following his graduation from Loyola Academy, he earned his B.S. in business at Northwestern University, where he was an active SAE fraternity member and NROTC leader. He later received his MBA at Stanford University.

He served 32 years as an officer in the Navy Supply Corps, including USS Bristol, USS Orion, Pearl Harbor Shipyard, Da Nang, Vietnam, Yokosuka, Japan, and later, Commanding Officer of the Naval Supply Center in Charleston, SC and Vice Commander of the Naval Supply Systems Command in Washington, DC. The Admiral was given many awards including Bronze Star Medal w/ Combat “V”, Distribution Service Medal, Legion of Merit w/ Gold Star, Navy “E” Ribbon w/ two “E”s, and Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (2).

Following his retirement from the Navy, Bob committed himself to helping his community as a member of the Charleston Naval Base Realignment Commission, Councilman on the Isle of Palms City Counsel, and President/Treasurer of various Homeowner Associations (Wild Dunes and Hidden Lakes). He was also very active as a member of Stella Maris Catholic Church and the Stella Maris Men’s Club.

Bob is survived by daughter, Kelly Abele Rose (Ed) of Charleston, SC; grandchildren, Erin Marie Rose of Charleston, SC and Carter Burke Rose (Saige) of Charleston, SC. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mark Burke Abele (1994).

This “Officer and Gentleman” will be remembered with great respect and admiration by all who knew him and served alongside him. He lived his life with honor and love for God, family, country, and community.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation and wake service on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 5PM to 7PM in J. Henry Stuhr Inc., 1494 Mathis Ferry Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 11AM at Stella Maris Catholic Church, 1204 Middle St. Sullivan's Island, followed by interment with full military honors at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to NAVY SUPPLY CORPS FOUNDATION, 2385 Godby Road, #490165, Atlanta, GA 30349 via check or online at navysupplycorpsfoundation.org.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Mount Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29464