Robert Julien Pauly, a devoted family man, accomplished engineer, and passionate educator, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the age of 88. Born in Limon, Costa Rica, on January 9, 1936, Robert grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, where he attended George Washington High School and excelled as a football player, scoring the winning touchdown in their annual Thanksgiving Day game.

Robert's academic journey led him to the University of Virginia, where he was an active member of the Engineering Council, Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity, and the Army ROTC. He earned Intermediate Honors and served as the Secretary Treasurer of his class, residing on the lawn in his fourth year before graduating in 1958. He furthered his education by obtaining an MS in Engineering and an MBA from George Mason University.

Professionally, Robert made significant contributions to the fields of engineering and business. He worked at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and AT&T Bell Labs in Washington D.C. and Murray Hill, NJ, managing various systems engineering and business planning activities. Transitioning to academia, he shared his expertise as an adjunct professor at George Mason University, the University of Phoenix, and St. Leo University, teaching both undergraduate and graduate-level courses.

Robert was devoted catholic and an active member of the Knights of Columbus in Fairfax Station, Virginia, and Columbia, South Carolina.

In his retirement, he served as a member and Chair of the Midlands SCORE Chapter, providing business management workshops and client counseling to small business entrepreneurs in support of the government's Small Business Administration.

Robert met the love of his life, Peggy June Carter, in January 1962, and they married on June 9th of the same year, sharing over 62 years of marriage. Together, they raised four sons—Robert Jr., John, Christopher, and Mark—in Martinsville, NJ, and were incredibly proud of their sons' postgraduate degrees and successful careers. Robert was also a loving grandfather to Soleil Breeze Pauly and Christopher Andrew Pauly.

An avid golfer, Robert enjoyed an active lifestyle, coaching many of his sons' sporting teams and taking excellent care of his family. He cherished traveling with his wife and family to their summer home on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, as well as to various international destinations, including Bermuda, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, England, Ireland, France, Germany, and Argentina.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Edwin, his mother, Marjorie, and his brother Peter Pauly. He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy, his sister, Judy, his sons Robert Jr. (wife Phyllis), John (partner Jeremy), Christopher (wife Samira), and Mark, and his grandchildren, Soleil and Christopher.

Robert will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy of love, dedication, and service will continue to inspire future generations.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held to honor Robert at 10 o'clock, Friday, October 4th, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road, Columbia, SC with the Rev. Bob Higgins officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.