In Loving Memory of
Robert E. Alpaugh
October 20, 1943 – January 9, 2021
Virtual Memorial Gathering was held on February 28, 2021 at 3:30 PM EST
“Only a life lived in the service of others is worth living.”
Albert Einstein said it. Robb made it real.
Robert E. Alpaugh Sr. went home on January 9 peacefully, surrounded by people he loved. He was born in 1943 in Washington D.C. to his loving parents, Edgar and Vergenia Alpaugh. He was a graduate of The Citadel. As an IBM executive, Robb excelled in sales development and went on to become Regional Director of Emerging Markets. Later, he became a partner with The Tiger Team Real Estate Group in Falls Church, VA.
Robb experienced life at the fullest right from the start. He earned his pilot’s license at age 14 and was triple certified – as a commercial pilot, land and sea, and instrument fixed-wing. He owned a Mooney 252 advanced single-engine airplane and for many years, he was a volunteer pilot with Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic, a Virginia Beach-based charity that provides free transportation to patients in need. That led him to his real calling when he accepted the position of President and CEO of Mercy Medical Angels, the parent of Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic and Angel Wings for Veterans.
Robb worked endlessly and tirelessly to raise funds for and awareness of the organization. Standing at the lectern during service club luncheons in his seersucker suit and bow tie, he was hard to turn down. He was a passionate leader for Mercy Medical Angels which provided more than 24,520 trips last year alone.
He loved to sail and had a trove of trophies from many years racing his beloved custom boats in New England and at age 76, Robb bought a sleek 38-foot cruising sailboat that he christened Prime Pi.
Robb was a humble and committed friend of Bill W., and many who knew Robb have expressed gratitude for his service and guidance.
He is survived by his sister, Linda Bennert of Montana, his sons, Robert E. Alpaugh Jr., of West Palm Beach, FL, and Brendan McHugh of Richmond, VA.
Memorial donations may be made to Mercy Medical Angels, 4620 Haygood Road, Suite 3, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 or Mercymedical.org
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Robb’s passion in life was very clear…to give back and serve others that served in Uniform.
Some of America’s worst-wounded Veterans thank Robb and Mercy Medical Angels for their life today.
I was lucky to have flown with Robb and grateful to always call him my Friend. Thoughts and Prayers for
his Family and all of his many, many Friends here.
R.I.P. Robb
Bobby D sends
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Thirteen years ago, Robb took me under his wing to show by his example that sobriety could be fulfilling — and even cool and even fun. During some difficult times, he was there for me. I’ll always be grateful to him. He was a living example to all who knew him. A great man goes before us.
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You will be dearly missed Robb. Until we meet again – Sundae and the Boys!
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Robb was an enormously positive influence in my life who taught me the meaning of service to others. His passion and generosity were uniquely inspiring. May God bless and keep Robb.
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I had the distinct honor of serving with Robb on the board of Mercy Medical Angels. We shared a common love of flying, of sailing and of serving others. Robb came to Mercy Medical at a time we were suffering both financially and administratively. Robb solved both problems for us and brought Mercy Medical to its strongest position in decades. I will always remember his smile, his wit and his devotion to serving others. He is sorely missed.
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In 2016, after I finished my internship with Mercy Medical Angels, Robb told me to “keep us in mind after graduation.” Fast forward to 2017, when he let me on the team as the Communications Specialist – my first real job in my field, fresh out of college.
As the years went on, working with Robb presented multiple opportunities – all because he truly cared about the people he worked with and believed in their potential. He challenged me to grow my skill set – designing promotional materials, making videos for special events, and even getting published in AOPA Pilot Magazine. I would not be the communications specialist I am today if it weren’t for Robb’s caring and guidance.
Robb loved to celebrate – he threw a graduation/welcome to the team party for me, would sing “happy birthday” well before the cake came out, and kept a smile on his face. I was hoping Robb would be with us, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mercy Medical Angels next year. But he is celebrating in Heaven.
Fly high, Robb. We miss you.
~Stephanie Singer
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My fondest memories of Robb is that whenever he called me, he would begin the conversations with, “How is my favorite Board Member?” It didn’t matter if that statement were true or not. I smiled and knew he was calling for something Mercy Medical Angels needed. As with all of us, it was Robb’s way of instilling an important connection to the lives of others. Robb reflected Christ’s love, and we were all his favorites. He brought out the best in us. As with Christ, when Robb called, it was impossible to refuse to rise to the occasion, serve the needs of others, and pay it forward. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Robb, we love and miss you.
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Rob was a kind generous person who will be missed by my husband Tom and myself. We had lots of fun sailing with Lorraine and him. We enjoyed his company immensely. Rest In Peace, flying high and sail freely
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Robb was a great boss, friend, encourager, and mentor. He would help you grow toward your professional goals. He was a kind and generous person who had a love for the Lord and the life the Lord gave him. He is and will continue to be greatly missed.
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Robb was my sales manager from 1998-1999, and grew to be one of my closest friends after we worked together. His sincerity, kindness and sense of humor were extraordinary. He is one of those rare people whose presence I still feel even though he has left the earth as we know it. We had activities planned for after COVID, and were even going to try and get together before COVID ended. I was looking forward to some time on his new boat! Robb was a rare treasure, to say the least!!!
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What I will remember most is his kind heart. Robb had a magical way of making people feel valued. I will forever be grateful for his dedication to supporting the military community. His vision and efforts made it possible for thousands and thousands of military and veteran families to find hope and healing. Robb’s impact is immeasurable and will continue to inspire. Wishing you a red sky at night sailor.
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I was a colleague of Robb at IBM and I cherished his friendship during and after his time at IBM. I am truly shocked at his sudden passing. Never did I think I will not see him again when our planned luncheon meeting last year got postponed due to the pandemic. Will miss his wit and his good nature. RIP my friend.
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He was such a great man. He gave so much to Angel Flight and he will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
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When I first met Robb more than 5 years ago, I was immediately impressed with his dedication to the organization as well as his passion for leading his team to excellence. Robb had a gift for cultivating relationships and building contacts to educate the public and countless communities about the tireless work of Angel Flight and Mercy Medical Angels. Robb’s dedication to his faith, family, and friends was always apparent. He truly led and maintained the organization’s mission with a servant’s heart. We will all miss him dearly, and wish him well on his forever flight with blue skies and tailwinds.
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Unfortunately, I only had the privilege of knowing Robb for a brief period of time. During those few months, I found him to be thoughtful, deliberate, competent, professional and caring. I never expected that our collaboration would be cut short so quickly. My deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and close collaborators.
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I worked with Robb for the past few years through BattleDawgs.org and on the Board of Angel Flights! Robb was passionate about helping people heal. He had finally found the love of his life, Rainey, and between flying, sailing, his best job ever (Angel Flights) and best lady ever (Rainey) he has been very happy! I miss him. He was a great man . I never met his sons but he was very proud of them!
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I met Robb working as an intern at Mercy Medical Angels. He was such a supportive role model and leader. Whenever I needed help applying for a job or needed a recommendation he was always willing to help. He’s going to be missed.
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Such a shock to hear of his passing. I am blessed that we were reacquainted the past 2 years, and the passion he had for everything he did was amazing. He will be greatly missed. R.I.P. Robb
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I met Rob through Lorraine; I was working on my boat when they stopped by to talk about sailing and boat stuff. I didn’t get to know him well but can attest to his love of sailing. Fair winds and peaceful seas shipmate.
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Robb had an extraordinary gift for bringing people together though his life of service to the diverse communities he considered his extended family. He repaid the small favor that sparked our friendship a thousandfold, and we’ll cherish fond memories of our happy reunions through flying and music that resulted. Mercy Medical Angels could not have found a more capable, passionate advocate.
We send our love to Robb, Jr. and Rainey–deepest thanks for sharing yourselves and Robb with all of us. Robb: we wish you blue skies and tailwinds always, dear friend. Yours was a life well-lived, indeed.
With love and affection,
Jim and Marianne
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Robb was a dear friend of mine for more than 30 years. He will mostly be remembered for his kindness and his witty humor. It is hard to express how much I truly miss him. Robb was like a brother to me. I think of him often, he was a larger than life kind of guy, a true friend and someone who I admired and loved. May God Bless his eternal soul, may perpetual light shine upon him and may he rest in peace.
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I remember Robb as a very lively man filled with plans and adventures. He was a very good dancer and enjoyed dancing very much.
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Robb blessed our life with his friendship and fellowship for over 20 years . We’ll always remember his kindness, thoughtfulness, and his love for Robb, Jr. – this is a huge loss to bear, but Robb would easily tell us how to deal with the grief. RIP – to a very special man !
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Robb’s dedication to service probably saved my life and for that I am eternally grateful.
He is truly missed.
Clay H
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For more than thirty years, a friendship, more like brothers.
Kaki and I miss you and will work to understand the void your absence creates.
Even with shared faith the apartness challenges acceptance.
Our lives have been enriched by your presence in them.
Love to your Family. We are here if we may help in any way,
Murrell and Kaki McLeod
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Robb was a good friend and fellow Mooney pilot. He pulled MMA out of a very dangerous hole. I thank God for him and his compassion, and miss him very much.
Well done, good and faithful servant. I wish you clear skies and tailwinds aloft on your last flight.
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It was a pleasure to meet and work with Robb during the partnership with American Airlines. He was a kind and passionate leader and will be greatly missed.
My deepest condolences to Robb’s family and friends.
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I have known Robb for several years and I assisted him with the sale of his beloved Mooney Aircraft. During that time I learned how passionate he was for his charity work. Robb gave back to his community and is a great example for us all. My condolences to his loved ones, family and friends. I am honored to have known Robb while he was here and know he is flying high today.
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Robb was a longtime friend who always kept in touch. Being a friend of Bill W, he was the person that I was attracted to and asked to be my first sponsor. He was fun, witty and the perfect person to share his experience, strength, hope and guidance during my initial sobriety 30 years ago.
Prayers and blue skies to you in heaven my good friend ~ Miss and love you ~
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Robb was an exceptional human being – kind, generous, sensitive, witty and caring. His loved helping others and it was so fitting that his life’s work would enable him to do just that. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have known him.
With deep sympathy,
Chicca D’Agostino
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Robb was so committed to charitable aviation, a real inspiration. It was a such a pleasure working with him, given his good sense and good humor. His contribution to Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic is immeasurable. The pilot community will miss him greatly.
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Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic helped me receive the medical care that I desperately needed. I am so exceptionally grateful for Mr. Alpaugh and all that he gave to help patients like me. I’m sure he will be missed by his family and friends every day!
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Please accept my deepest sympathies during this very difficult time. I am alive today due to your leadership in your organization. I am so sorry for your loss. May your soul rest in Eternal peace.
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Rob was truly a Prince of a man with a heart for serving others bigger than Dallas. He took over the reigns of Mercy Medical Angels during a very difficult time organizationally and financially. His humble, prayerful, and inspired leadership saved the organization and we’re now in the best position to serve Veterans and families in need of transportation to medical care, than ever before in our almost 50 year history. I thank God for sending Robb Alpaugh to lead Mercy Medical Angels, and for receiving Robb with open arms in Heaven.
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On behalf of myself and the Governing Board of The COC (previously Christians Overcoming Cancer) please accept our sincerest condolences in the passing of Mr. Robert E. Alpaugh. It has been our honor to have supported the mission of Mercy Medical Angels and serve cancer patients in active treatment. His leadership will surely be missed.
Mary Jenkins, President/CEO The COC
1347 A Worthington Woods Blvd.
Columbus, Ohio 43085
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Robb was a true gentleman, who truly cared about and cared for others. He left a great legacy, and will be very much missed.