Robert Gohsler

Robert Edward Gohsler was born on April 29, 1945, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Edward Arthur and Helen Bertolini Gohsler. Growing up between an older sister, June, and a younger brother, Warren, Bob spent his childhood in Momauguin, a small shoreline community along Long Island Sound. Living just two blocks from the beach shaped him profoundly. From early childhood, Bob learned a love of the sea that has stayed with him for the rest of his life.

Bob’s youth was filled with sports, school, and the rhythms of coastal life. He attended local elementary schools, junior high in East Haven, and later commuted to Notre Dame High School in West Haven. His strong SAT scores opened the door to Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1967.

A Call to Serve

Bob began his career with IBM in New Haven, but the Vietnam War and a daily commute past the Naval Reserve Training Center nudged him toward a different path. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve, completed a frigid winter boot camp at Great Lakes in 1968, and soon applied to Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. After 20 weeks of training, he was commissioned as an Ensign in June 1969.

His first assignment was aboard the USS Midway (CVA‑41) as a Combat Information Center Watch Officer during its overhaul in Alameda, California. When the ship prepared for deployment, Bob requested a navigator position on a destroyer homeported in San Diego — and got exactly what he hoped for. He joined the USS Robison (DDG‑12) and extended his Navy commitment to take the role.

Three weeks later, he was navigating the Robison across the Pacific using a sextant and hand calculations, guiding the ship through a seven‑month WESTPAC cruise. Life at sea was demanding: six‑hour watches around the clock, General Quarters during combat operations, and the constant pressure of precision. Yet Bob thrived. He loved the open ocean, the sunrises and sunsets in a world without land, the discipline of navigation, and the camaraderie of shipboard life.

The cruise also brought rare opportunities to explore Hawaii, Midway Island, Guam, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Japan. The Robison’s wardroom even challenged — and defeated — the Midway’s officers in baseball and basketball. Needless to say, the time passed quickly.

A Life‑Changing Return

When the Robison returned to San Diego, Bob’s life took a dramatic turn. One night at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Officer’s Club, he met Janet Forsman — the woman who would become the love of his life. They dated less than two months before the Robison deployed again with only a week’s notice, a reminder of what it means to serve one’s country. This time, Bob served as Combat Information Center Officer working in the midst of the brain of the ship, using his analytical skills and creative approaches to process complex tactical data for the ship’s guns as the Robison made nightly attacks on targets along the North Vietnamese coast.

After returning home, Bob proposed to Janet. They married on January 13, 1973, in San Diego, then moved to Connecticut while Bob completed IBM refresher training. Two harsh winters later, they made a decision that would shape the rest of their lives: they returned to San Diego, the place they knew they wanted to raise a family and eventually retire.

Family, Roots, and Community

Over the next decade, Bob and Janet welcomed four children — Tami (1975), Shanel (1977), Todd (1981), and Jeffrey (1984). They settled in Tierrasanta, joined a young church community they still attend today, and built a life centered on family, faith, and service.

Bob chose not to pursue a long‑term Navy career, wanting to be present for his children. Ironically, a simple act of volunteering at Tami’s Little League meeting would launch him into decades of community involvement. What began as “a couple of hours a week” turned into 40 years of coaching softball, baseball, soccer, and basketball — including seven seasons with his grandchildren.

His leadership extended far beyond the field. Bob served on multiple boards, led the Little League as President, directed soccer tournaments, and chaired the Deacon Board at church. Janet was his constant partner — coaching alongside him, running a beloved snack bar, and stepping in whenever the workload grew heavy.

A Legacy of Love and Service

Today, Bob and Janet continue to support their children, their spouses, and nine San Diego–based grandchildren in sports, school, and life. All in all, they been blessed with a very rewarding life together.