Robert “Harry” Girten, 92, of Vero Beach, died Nov. 23, 2013, at Sterling House.
He was born February 1, 1921, in Uniontown, Ky., and had been a resident of Vero Beach since 1985, coming from Miami.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Ginny Girten; children, Robert Dale (Linda) Girten, Sharon (Tom) Richards, Ginny (Matthew) McAlarnen; and 3 grandchildren, Jennifer, Christopher, Lindsey.
Girten graduated from St. Agnes High School in Uniontown, Ky., and moved to Miami in 1938.
He worked 37 years for Pan American World Airways and retired as the assistant superintendent of Jet Overhaul in Miami.
During his time with Pan Am, he served on international assignments in Paraguay and Germany.
Following his retirement from Pan Am, he worked 20 years as an U.S. customs inspector in Miami and Ft. Pierce.
Girten was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corp, having served in the Pacific during World War II.
Girten was an active member of St. Helen Catholic Church, where he served as an usher and Harvest Festival volunteer.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, third degree.
A gathering of family and friends will be held 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, with a wake service to be held at 7 p.m. at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, Vero Beach.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at noon, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, at St. Helen Catholic Church.
Inurnment will take place at South Florida National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund, 923 19th Place, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or to the VNA and Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL, 32960.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.seawindsfh.com.
