Robert James Gregory

Robert James Gregory (Jimmy), age 96, passed away in Rockville, MD, on January 23, 2026.

Born July 25, 1929, in Newport News, VA, son of Randall Joseph Gregory and Mary Agnes (Darlington) Gregory, he lived in Newport News until moving to Washington, D.C. in 1947 to attend Capital Radio Engineering Institute. He resided in College Park, MD, from 1957 to 1991, then lived in Laurel, MD, for 32 years, and resided at Brooke Grove Assisted Living from April 2023 until his passing.

Robert worked at the Department of the Army, Harry Diamond Laboratory (Army Research Lab) from 1957 until retiring in 1988. During his career there, he developed important technology that is still used today.

He served as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 740 in College Park for 12 years, mentoring countless young men in leadership and outdoor skills.

To experience the great outdoors, Robert and his family camped on land in Calvert County in a converted school bus, where they spent cherished time together before purchasing property at Cove Point. For decades, the family spent treasured summers on the Chesapeake Bay in their memorable pink cottage, creating lasting memories by the water.

A member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Laurel, MD, and Our Lady Star of the Sea in Solomons, MD, Robert enjoyed ham radio operation and woodworking. He delighted in making pancakes and ice cream sodas for his grandchildren and was famous for piling whipped cream high on their hot chocolate.

Robert is survived by his seven children: Raymond Joseph Gregory (Cathy Amonett), Paul David Gregory (Cheryl Miller), Bernard Frances Gregory (Donna Lee), Anne Michele Packett (Stephen Packett), Amy Joan Howdyshell (Michael Howdyshell), Timothy Charles Gregory (Teri Hitch), and Nancy Joy Sites (Jeff Leary); twelve grandchildren: Christopher Gregory, Shane Gregory, William Gregory, John Gregory, Daniel Gregory, Erin Gregory, Mary Acklin, Stephanie Packett, Emma Gregory, Peter Gregory, Edwin Sites, and Laura Villagran; and ten great-grandchildren: Cooper Gregory, Addie Gregory, Kinsley Gregory, Wyatt Gregory, Andrew Gregory, Roma Gregory, Rachel Gregory, Taytum Armstrong, Margot Acklin, and Ezekiel Perez.

Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Ruth Lucille (Tatro) Gregory, and his siblings Mildred Landis (Jiggs), Joseph Gregory (Eleanor), and Edith Burt (Earnest).

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 11:00 am at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Solomons, MD. Burial will follow at Our Lady Star of the Sea Cemetery.

A reception will be held beginning at 1 p.m. at the Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons, MD 20688, (410) 326-2042.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Robert Gregory to Casey House, 6001 Muncaster Mill Road, Rockville, MD 20855, (301) 921-4400, www.montgomeryhospice.org.

This obituary was lovingly written and submitted by the family. Happy Trails, Dad.