Commander Robert Francis Deegan, U.S. Navy (Retired) died on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Riverside Convalescent Center in Smithfield, Virginia. He was born in New York City in 1935, spent his childhood in New Jersey and made Virginia his adult home. He is survived by Elizabeth "Betty" Farrell, who provided great spiritual support, companionship and comfort in his twilight. He is also survived by his son Kevin Robert Deegan and daughter-in-law Jennifer along with their sons Tyler and Michael, of Staunton, Virginia; and by his daughter Eileen Deegan Gilman and son-in-law Christopher, along with their daughter Hailey and son Robert of Suffolk, Virginia. He is also survived by his brother Paul of New York, his sister Faridah of California, and his brother Gene of Kansas. He was preceded in death by his first wife Geraldine Marie Deegan to whom he was married from 1961 – 2007.

Commander Deegan was graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and commissioned a Navy Ensign in 1957. He served on numerous Navy surface ships, including tours of duty as commanding officer of USS Grant County (LST-1174) and later as commanding officer of USS Hermitage (LSD-34). During the Vietnam War, he served as a coastal surveillance advisor to the Vietnamese Navy as recently published in the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Following his retirement, he was an active and avid supporter of his grandchildren, St. Paul's Congregation and the local art community.

Military Honors and Last Rights of Christian Burial will be rendered at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. This graveside service is open to all of his family and friends.   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in loving memory of Robert to the Endowment Fund of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 201 St. Paul's Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23510. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com .