Obituary of Captain Robert Mendoza Poquis, USN MSC (Ret.)

THE VILLAGES – Captain Robert Mendoza Poquis, USN MSC (Ret.), 81, passed from this life on Saturday, September 22, 2018 after a courageous two-year battle with leukemia.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, he was the son of the late Domingo and Brigida (Mendoza) Poquis.

Robert was a Doctor of Optometry and received his degree from the University of California Berkley, School of Optometry in 1961.  Following his graduation, he was commissioned in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps. He began his career in San Diego, CA and had tours of duty in various parts of the country and overseas in the Philippines at Cubi Point, Subic Bay. His primary tour was in Washington, DC where he served from 1975 until his retirement in 1991. He attained the rank of Captain and was appointed Head of Optometry in the United States Navy, the highest possible position of his profession in the military. His notable patients were President Ronald W. Reagan, President George H.W. Bush and wife Barbara, numerous heads of state, foreign dignitaries, United States Senators and United States Congressmen.

Robert and his wife Carlina moved to The Villages from Burke, VA in 2001. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed cruising. He loved playing Mexican Train with friends and family, enjoyed Ballroom Dancing with his lovely wife and was a lifelong fan of the San Francisco 49ers.

His greatest joys in life, however, were his children and grandchildren.

Besides his parents, Robert was predeceased by his brother, Domingo “Sonny” Poquis, Jr., and sister, Rebecca Alvarez.

Robert is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carlina (Galicia) Poquis; his three children: Lisa Hall and husband Jon of Richmond, VA; Mark Poquis and wife Theresa of Springfield, VA; Greg Poquis and wife April of Richmond, VA; his six grandchildren: Delaney Hall, Joseph Hall and Jon Hall, Jr., Ryan Poquis, Liana Poquis and Harper Poquis; and his sister, Mary Ann Mack of San Francisco, CA; four nieces and twelve nephews.

The family will receive relatives and friends at a visitation to be held at the Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services 1511 Buenos Aires Blvd., The Villages on Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 1 to 2 PM. A funeral service will follow beginning at 2 PM.  Burial will be at a later date in Arlington national Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society www.lls.org .  For on-line sentiments, please visit www.hiers-baxley.com .