Race Roberson Death, Obituary – We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Rob “Race” Roberson, 58, of Virginia Beach, VA. Race died on Monday, December 19, 2022, at home. After a service in the Marine Corps, Race retired as a Colonel. He began his career as a Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy. After graduation from the Naval Academy, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt and eventually became an artillery officer. Soon after joining the Fleet Marine Forces, he deployed and served in Operation Desert Storm.
He transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve after the war, where he served for the following 30 years. He was the Commanding Officer of O Battery, 5th Battalion, 14th Marines, as well as the Commanding Officer of 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines, and the 14th Marine Regiment’s Deputy Commander. Race served as a Police Implementation Officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom, commanding the Fallujah District Police Training Team. Race served in the SMCR for almost 12 years, including deployments at Marine For Life, HQMC SAPRO, and HQMC Suicide Prevention Program.
He worked as a police officer for the Escondido Police Department and as an account executive for Infor and Hexagon Federal Services in addition to his time as a Marine. When he was a young Lieutenant, he met the love of his life, Máire. After he courted her and wore down her resistance, she agreed to marry him. Their two adorable children were Conor and Shannon. They resided in San Diego, Orlando, Stafford, and Virginia Beach, which he loved.
They bought “Salty Dog Way,” Race’s “permanent home,” and Race served on the board of the Veterans’ Victory Alliance, which supports service members suffering from PTSD by providing them with time in the great outdoors at their Montana ranch. During the summer, he spent five weeks at the location conducting actual property upgrades rather than just fundraising for the Alliance. Through his employment, his church, and other organizations, he was continuously interested in organizations that benefitted veterans and first responders, so this was not his only link with humanitarian activities.
He was an active member of a Christian organization called Compassionate Restoration in Stafford, in particular. He was a huge fan of Philadelphia, Star Trek, Star Wars, John Wayne, and new wave music from the 1980s. Race is survived by his wife Máire, his son Conor, his daughter Shannon, his mother Sherry, and his brother KC. Instead of flowers or gifts, they would appreciate a donation to the Veterans Victory Alliance. On Thursday, December 22nd, from 6-8 PM, a visitation will be held at the HD Oliver Funeral Home, 2002 Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. On Friday, December 23, at 10:30 a.m., funeral services will be held at Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 1404 Pacific Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. At a later date, a graveside service will be held at the Quantico National Cemetery.