Robert Michael Printy ("Mike" to some, "Bob" to others), 69, a resident of Crestview, FL passed away suddenly on Friday, November 8, 2024.

Robert Michael was born September 3, 1955, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID, the eldest child and son of Robert Davis and Irene Lillian Printy. Robert attended St. Mary Academy in Dover, NH, graduated from Somersworth High School in 1973, received a B.S. in Business Administration/Economics from Rollins College in 1984, and received his M.S. in Management from Troy State University in 1988.

Captain Robert Printy joined the US Air Force in 1976. He served for 21 years in the field of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), eventually becoming an instructor for the EOD school and leading the next generation of technicians. A 1985 graduate of Officer Candidacy School, he completed multiple tours overseas and served proudly in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, retiring from active duty in 1997 as a Captain. It was during his time in active duty that he completed coursework required for his B.S. and M.S. - a tribute to his work ethic and perseverance.

After his career in the US Air Force, Robert re-entered civilian life at Wise Equipment in Crestview, FL in the parts department before taking advantage of his EOD background in tandem with his business acumen at multiple contractors, and finally serving his country again in the US Air Force civil service. Robert saw the world through his civil service position, enjoying numerous trips overseas (and Diamond Medallion status) before fully retiring in 2019.

Robert had many interests and was known by his family and friends for his avid love of golf, baseball (especially 'Little League Umpiring'), tennis, football, fishing, cars (collecting and repairing them since he was a young boy with his dad), and avoiding the mechanic or repairmen at all costs. He loved children and animals. He left a mark on many for his caring spirit and helpfulness. Robert met his eventual wife, Sheila, in 1988 at Eglin AFB. Robert ("Bob" as Sheila knew him) was Sheila's faithful soulmate, and brought laughter, silliness, and terrible jokes that will never be forgotten. He was a dedicated, loving father to their only son, Joseph, passing along every lesson he could.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Irene Printy; dear brother, Daniel J. Printy; special cousins, Paul (Mickey) Royer and Randy Royer; and cousin, Julianne Printy.

Robert is survived by his loving family, wife, Sheila Lea Printy of Crestview, FL; son, Joseph Patrick Printy of Orlando, FL; sister, Gail Printy Klein of Hampton, NH; niece, Lydia (SuSu) Klein of Orlando, FL; special cousin, Linda Printy Lee and her husband, Tom Lee of Wetumpka, AL; aunt, Yvonne Tingley of Vancouver, WA; aunt, Jeannette Printy of Dover, NH, and many loved Printy cousins, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held 11:30am until a Funeral Mass to begin at 12:30pm Monday, December 9, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 3131 Hyde Park Rd. Pensacola, FL, with Fr. Athanasius Abanulo celebrant. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, FL with full military honors. After the interment, a luncheon 'Celebration of Life' will follow at Carrabbas Italian Grill in Pensacola.

The family would like to express a special thank you to all for the many prayers and kind thoughts received during this challenging time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations may be made in his name to the EOD Warrior Foundation, ( https://eodwarriorfoundation.org/ ) or Samaritan's Purse, ( https://www.samaritanspurse.org )