Obituary: Robert Riley Moore Jr., 91, Former NASA Executive and Sailing Enthusiast from Naples, FL

Robert Riley Moore Jr. Obituary

Robert Riley Moore Jr. passed away on November 3, 2024, in Naples, FL. He was 91 years old. He was preceded in death by his wives, Sally Morin and Sara Marthinson Moore.

Robert was born on February 10, 1933, in Brookneal, VA. He grew up in Richmond, VA. At 24, he married Sally Beall. They raised three sons in Newport News, VA. In 1983, he married Sara Marthinson. They shared a 29-year marriage until her death in 2012. In 2015, he married Marilyn Hilliard. They enjoyed their life together in Naples, FL.

Robert served in the US Naval Reserve in 1957. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from the Richmond Professional Institute of the College of William and Mary in 1959. In 1962, he began a 31-year career at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA, as a Procurement Agent. He completed a Management Development program at Harvard in 1973. He advanced to Assistant Director for Management Operations before retiring in 1993. His honors include a NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 1984 and a Presidential Quality Award in 1992.

Sailing was Robert’s favorite hobby. He was a long-time member of the Hampton Yacht Club. He owned many boats throughout his life. He loved racing and cruising on the Chesapeake Bay and the Intercoastal Waterway.

Robert is survived by his wife Marilyn Moore of Naples, FL. He leaves behind his sons and their spouses: David and Nora Moore, Robert and Cindy Moore, and Harrison and Ellen Moore. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Sydney Coffin, Charlie Coffin, Chris Marthinson and Jennifer Drolet.

A memorial service will be held at Galilee Church on Friday, December 6, at 1 PM. Donations in his name can be made to The Mariners’ Museum at https://www.marinersmuseum.org.