Mr. Robert O. “Bob” Fjelstad, 84, husband of Marti Fjelstad and a resident of Schooner Bay, Onancock, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, with his loving wife by his side.
Born on April 2, 1934, in Yonkers, N.Y., he was a son of the late Martin and Selma Fjelstad. Mr. Fjelstad’s life exemplified the true meaning of dedication and service to others, which began when he joined the Jaycees, in Peekskill, N.Y., as a young man. While working as a terminal superintendent for Exxon, Mr. Fjelstad continued his efforts to serve his community as Chairman of the Hudson River Oil Spill Committee and as Commodore of the Peekskill Yacht Club, where he was instrumental in organizing the club to be family oriented.
Following his retirement in 1992, Mr. and Mrs. Fjelstad relocated to the Eastern Shore of Virginia where he has been an integral part of the community for the last 25 years. He was an active member and past president of the Coastal Conservation Association, was appointed by the VMRC as an advisor to the Atlantic States Marine Commission and recreational advisor on striped bass, served as past president of the Delmarva Peninsula Golf Association, and was a member of the Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club, the Accomack-Northampton Antique Car Club, the ESVA Anglers’ Club, and Market Street United Methodist Church.
Though Mr. Fjelstad was most passionate about his public service, enjoying life was also a priority. In their 46 years together, Mr. and Mrs. Fjelstad traveled extensively, including four trips to Alaska, countless river cruises, trips to Norway to visit his family where they explored the Arctic Circle, and many memorable boating excursions with family and friends.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Robert Fjelstad and wife, Kathleen, of Colorado Springs, Colo., Alayne Keiser, of Concord, N.Y., Brigitta S. Savino and husband, Matthew, of Midlothian, Va., and Christina Bissett, of St. Clairsville, Ohio; sister, Betty Lang and husband, Jack of Murphy, N.C.; six grandchildren, Severin, Yakara, Sarah, Joseph, Rachel, and Joshua; brothersin-law, Richard Roberts, Jeffrey Roberts, and David Clark; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Other than his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Dorothy Taylor, and brothers, Alvin and Edward Fjelstad.
Funeral services were held at the Market Street United Methodist Church on Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, with the Rev. J. Barton Weakley officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Fjelstad’s memory to the Market Street United Methodist Church, 75 Market Street, Onancock, VA 23417.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at http://www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were made by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
