Robert O. Wales

Robert O Wales passed away May 28, 2022 at Buckingham’s Choice in Adamstown, MD just 6 weeks shy of his 101 ^st birthday. He was born July 14, 1921 in Washington D.C., the son of Horatio & Merle Wales.  Bob graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School (1938) and began undergraduate studies at George Washington University. His studies were interrupted by World War II, when as a member of the D.C. National Guard Band he was called to service in the U.S. Army in January 1941 and served for the duration of the war.

He completed his degree from George Washington University in 1947 and days later married his beloved wife Ruth Hale, of Blackstone VA.  They raised their family in Colesville, MD. For 45 years, Bob was an electronic engineer for the Federal Government spending 28 of those years at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center where he was at the forefront of computer and data technology.

Bob and Ruth moved to Middletown, MD in 1989. In Middletown, Bob again began playing his euphonium horn, marching in parades and riding on bandwagons into his 90s with the Harmony, Browningsville, and Rohrsville Cornet Bands and the Yellow Springs Concert Band. Active travelers, Bob and Ruth enjoyed many walking adventures throughout the U.S. and the world. A lifelong Orioles baseball fan Bob enjoyed watching their games, current and past, until his last day.

An active member of Frederick Presbyterian Church in Frederick, MD, Bob served on numerous committees with a special interest in the recent organ restoration.

Bob is survived by his children, Steve (Charlotte) Wales of Great Falls, VA, Judy (Randy) Peterson of Millsboro, DE, Carol (Jim) Branscome of Kensington. He is survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Emily, Matt, Nicholas, Julia and Joseph Petito; Pete, Kristin and Victoria Marshall, Alex Adams; Kim Marshall Tyre, Amber Marshall, and Jacob Marshall; Pamela Wales and husband Brett Arnold; Philip Wales; Meg and Glenn Patterson; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is survived by his brother Charles Wales (Barbara) of Ashburn, VA.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Ruth and grandson Daniel Marshall.

Following Ruth’s death, Bob moved to Buckingham’s Choice in Adamstown living independently until the last two years.  The family wishes to thank the staff of Buckingham’s Choice for the special care, especially the past two years.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 9 ^th at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary of Frederick Presbyterian Church, 115 W. 2 ^nd St., Frederick., MD. A light luncheon will be served following the service in the church social room.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Organ Restoration Fund at Frederick Presbyterian Church.