Robert Loring Dolbeare

Robert Loring Dolbeare, Captain, US Navy Reserve (Ret.), a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected attorney, passed away peacefully on September 23 at age 89.

Robert lived a life rooted in service-to his country, his family, his community, and his church. He served with distinction in the United States Navy, retiring with more than 30 years in the Navy Reserve after completing active duty. During his military career, he served on both submarines and destroyers, rising to the rank of Captain. Even after retiring, his commitment to his fellow service members continued, including providing legal counsel to recalled reservists during Desert Storm.

Robert’s professional life reflected the same discipline and generosity that marked his public service. He graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Management Engineering and later earned his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. He was a highly regarded attorney in Richmond, Virginia, practicing law for more than 40 years earning a reputation for integrity, wisdom, and fairness. He went on to share his knowledge with future generations as an adjunct professor at the University of Richmond School of Law and serving on the Board of Visitors at James Madison University.

His commitment to service extended well beyond his profession and military service. He volunteered at St. Mary’s and St. Francis/Bon Secours hospitals, the latter for more than two decades. A devoted Catholic, he was a very active member of his parish, St. Edward the Confessor Church (Chesterfield, VA), quietly contributing wherever help was needed and living out his faith through action and kindness.

Above all, Robert was devoted to his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anne; his grandson, Wills; his parents, Jeanne and Walter; and his sister, Virginia. He is survived by his son, Ken (Christine), and daughter, MaryAnne (David), and by his cherished grandchildren, Stewart (24), Harper (19), and Drew (17). He took great joy in their lives and was a steady source of guidance, encouragement, and love.

There will be a visitation at Money and King Funeral home (171 Maple Avenue W, Vienna, VA 22180) on Friday, October 2 from 4-6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Agnes Catholic Church (1910 N. Randolph St, Arlington, VA 22207) on October 3, 2026 at 10:30am. There will be an interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Virginia War Memorial Foundation (vawarmemorial.org), the Glioblastoma Foundation (glioblastomafoundation.org), or the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (www.alzdiscovery.org) to honor Anne Dolbeare.