Captain Robert Earle Kinnecom Sr. died on April 22 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, surrounded by his family, following a long illness. He was 85.

He was born on May 20, 1931 in Newport, R.I., the son of Chief Warrant Officer Harold E. Kinnecom and Catherine (Callanan) Kinnecom.

As a toddler he moved to Martha’s Vineyard, where his father was the chief at the United States Coast Guard Station Gay Head. The Kinnecom family resided in Vineyard Haven, where Captain Bob attended school and was a loyal member of the Daggett Avenue gang.

Bob was a proud veteran of the United States Coast Guard, having served at Station Gay Head when it was on top of the Cliffs. He was one of two of the last surviving crew members who had served at Gay Head, as the station officially closed in 1954 after the Cuttyhunk station was floated over to Menemsha in August 1952. Bob’s friend Norman Deakin is now the last remaining member of the crew that served at Station Gay Head.

He also served at the Menemsha station when it opened, as well as aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Bibb and the Cutter Sole. He was a great historian of military history and graciously donated his photographs and memorabilia to Station Menemsha.

Bob and the love of his life, Ernestine Marie Rose, were married on June 7, 1952. They were the parents of Cheryl, Jo Ann, Roberta, Barbara and Robert II.

Bob worked for many years at the Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard, where he was a rigger. He served as the assistant harbor master for the town of Tisbury as well. He then went to work for Burt’s Boatyard for a few years, following which Bob and Ernestine purchased Marlene’s Taxi, which they operated for more than 20 years from their home.

They were also the head distributors of the Boston Globe on the Vineyard for 25 years, working for Doyle News Agency. Upon their retirement they received a brass clock.

In retirement Captain Bob and Ernestine started a computerized embroidery business, Island Design, creating hats, jackets, linens, canvas bags and shirts for the local police and fire departments, emergency medical technicians and paramedics, and sports teams, as well as many Vineyard businesses. They generously donated their embroidered work to many charitable causes across the Vineyard.

Bob was a historian of Vineyard lore and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with all who would spend hours listening.

Captain Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Ernestine and their children, Cheryl and her husband James Cullinan of Florida, Jo Ann Murphy and her husband Brian of Tisbury, Roberta Evans of Mashpee, Barbara Connell of North Carolina, and Robert and his wife Rosemary of Plymouth. He is survived by his grandchildren David Reynolds, Ashley Cullinan, Kim Burke and her husband James, Patrick Murphy and his wife Chelsea, Amanda Murphy, and Jeremy Evans and his wife Kerry. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Christopher Reynolds, Christian Evans, Benjamin Evans, Bianca Teano, Taija Roberts, Jaeonia Kirkland, and Peyton Tennent. Bob was predeceased by his in laws Joseph Rose and Alice Martin Rose, his siblings John, Helen, and Everett Kinnecom, and by his granddaughter Alison Reynolds. He is survived by his brothers in law Stephen Rose and his wife Kathy of Edgartown and Ronald Rose of Tisbury and their families, as well as by his sister in law Jacqueline Viera Kinnecom. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 27 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Oak Bluffs under the direction of Chapman, Cole, and Gleason Funeral Services. Full military honors will be offered by the Veterans of Martha’s Vineyard. Following the graveside service officiated by the Rev. Michael Nagle, there will be a gathering of family and friends at the Portuguese American Club on Vineyard avenue. Please bring a dish to share if you wish.

Donations in memory of Captain Bob may be made to the American Legion Post 257, Box 257, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.