Robert B. Schulze died peacefully on July 9 after a long and courageous struggle recovering from a stroke in 2009. He was predeceased by his wife, Mildred A. Schulze, who died peacefully on Sept. 1, 2012 from complications from a stroke in 2010.

Robert was born in Greenwich, Conn. on July 2, 192. He spent most of his life on the waters of Long Island Sound; the sea was a part of his life. His family were some of the founding members of the Greenwich Boat and Yacht Club, of which he was an active member for many years. A talented mechanic and carpenter, there were few things he couldn’t fix. He was a World War II and Korean War Navy veteran, serving in the South Pacific.

Upon retirement, Robert and Mildred moved to Martha’s Vineyard, where they lived for 18 years. Robert was known on-Island as “Bus Driver Bob” and he transported many up-Island children to Chilmark and West Tisbury Schools. It was a job that brought him great joy. He and Mildred were active members of West Tisbury Congregational Church.

Mildred was also born in Greenwich, Conn., on June 21, 1927. She married Robert, her childhood sweetheart, after they met at a square dance at the Round Hill Community Center. She was most happy when surrounded by her family. An excellent cook, she was a private chef for many years. She was also an exquisitely talented seamstress who made beautiful clothes and slipcovers effortlessly. During their retirement on Martha’s Vineyard, she excelled in making crafts and baked goods for church events and was the proudest grandmother of her grandson Justin. She shared her husband’s love of the sea.

The couple returned to Connecticut in 2006, settling in Montville until moving to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2011 to be near their daughter and grandson.

Robert and Mildred are survived by their daughter Janet E. Schulze and grandson Justin A. Schulze of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews from all along the Eastern Seaboard, including Beverly Robinson of Edgartown, Dough Johnson of Vineyard Haven, Jerry Johnson of Beaufort, N.C., and Don Johnson of Intervale, N.H., who all treasured their Uncle Bobby and Aunt Milly as much as they treasured them. Mildred and Robert’s love for children was boundless.

Married for 65 years at the time of Mildred’s death, they agreed to wait and be interred together at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Interment will be held in October on a date to be announced.