Obituary of John Robert Statz, Jr.

LTC John Robert Statz, Jr. (Bob), 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Great Falls, Virginia on February 7^th, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bob was born on November 23rd, 1939 in Worcester, Massachusetts to John and Ruth (Spotten). He attended the US Coast Guard Academy and graduated from Hofstra University in 1965, before completing a master’s degree in Operations Research from Georgia Tech.

Bob was a highly decorated soldier and served honorably in the US Army for 20 years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and earned many awards for his service, including two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, and Joint Chief of Staff Identification Badge.

After retiring from the Army he had an incredible impact at the consulting firm, Booz Allen Hamilton. He created and led the War Gaming Practice that eventually grew to over 700 staff. He led teams responsible for many exciting and meaningful engagements, including negotiating rights to the Panama Canal, resolving security weaknesses for the Port Authority of New York, preventing HIV/AIDS in India and China, and advising the Pentagon leadership on developing the modern military. His most lasting impact was a product of his leadership and mentoring of his staff and colleagues. His legacy endures to this day with his former staff leading a large portion of the firm’s business.

In his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family and running a small family business.

Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Serene (Verga), brothers Paul and Stephen, and seven children John, Matthew (Pia Agostini), Kimberly (James) Garner, Kristen (Alan) Shifflett, Kathleen, Luke (Sandra), and Karen (Robert) Nunn. He is also survived by his grandchildren Mark, Sarah, John and Katie; Ella, Lyra and Anaruby; Meghan, Madelyn, Mallory, Jack and Erin; Zachary, Caleb, Elijah, Grace and Emma; Charlie; Rowan; Noah, Jacob, Nathan, Johnny, Jason, and Josie; goddaughter Jennifer Schneider and her daughter Brooke. He was preceded in death by his sons, Mark and Adam.

The family will receive friends at Adams Green Funeral Home in Herndon on Wednesday, February 15^th from 5pm to 8 pm, followed by a funeral at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Great Falls on Thursday, February 16^th at 11am. An additional service and internment will occur at Arlington National Cemetery in the near future.

Bob will always be remembered for his unwavering love and devotion to God, his family, his bravery and service to his country, and his dedication to his career. He always gave selflessly to those in need and his kindness and compassion will not be forgotten.