Robert E. Service *60

A lifelong U.S. diplomat, Bob died Sept. 2, 2021, in Washington, D.C., of COVID pneumonia, despite being fully vaccinated.

Bob was born Feb. 16, 1937, in Peiping, China, where his father served at the U.S. Embassy. Evacuated during the war years, Bob grew up in Berkeley, Washington, New York, New Zealand, India, and England. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Oberlin College, and an MPA from the Woodrow Wilson School in 1960. He also earned a master’s degree in Latin American studies from Stanford and studied at the National War College. 

Following six months in the Army Reserves, Bob joined the foreign service in January 1961. Overseas diplomatic posts included Nicaragua, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Spain, and Argentina. He served as ambassador to Paraguay from 1994 to 1997, where he played a key role in averting a military coup. Bob worked toward advancing U.S. diplomatic relations and policy and promoting democracy, political and economic reforms, counter-narcotics cooperation, and government efficiency. He believed in serving his country, while also caring deeply about global issues and consequences. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Karol; daughter Jennifer ’91; son John; five grandchildren; and brother Philip.  

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.