Obituary of Leroy Frank Field, Jr.

Leroy Frank “Smokey” Field Jr.

Leroy Frank Field Jr., known affectionately to all as ‘Smokey’, passed away on Monday, October 16 2023 surrounded by his family. Smokey’s unwavering optimism and faith were admirable and comforting to all as he confronted the challenges of leukemia. 

Smokey was born in Washington, D.C. in 1942 and graduated from high school in Naples, Italy. He is a proud United States Naval Academy graduate of the Class of 1964, 24th Company. 

Smokey lived a life of service, beginning with the Navy nuclear submarine program as a commissioned U.S. Naval Supply Corps Officer. He reported to the USS John Adams (SSBN 620) and served several patrols. In 1969, the Navy sent Smokey to receive his MS in Petroleum Management at the University of Kansas. He served as Commanding Officer of three petroleum terminals in Rota, Spain and during his final assignment at the Pentagon, provided technical expertise to establish the U.S. Navy Energy Office. Smokey was proud to have served in the Naval Reserves to complete his service as a Naval Officer and retired as a Commander in 2002. 

Smokey was appointed by the Ford Administration to be the Director of Operations of the Strategic Petroleum Reserves under the Federal Energy Administration, the predecessor to the Department of Energy. In 1983, Smokey established American Operations Corporation, an entrepreneurial business performing strategic work for both the Federal Government and the private sector.  Over his lifetime, AOC helped its clients win more than $70 billion in contract awards from forty federal agencies whose missions were of critical national importance. During his tenure, he provided hundreds of employees and consultants with challenging careers and the means to support themselves and their families. His efforts during his extensive career will live on among his successors.

Smokey is preceded in death by his parents, Leroy “Lee” Frank Field and Lois Marguerite Viancour, and his brother, Michael Field.

Smokey is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Gina Lyn Field (Baker); former spouse Margaret Chapman; children Kristine Nault (Brian), Michelle Silvia (Massimo), Colette Creech (Corey), and CAPT Cameron Field, USMC (USNA ‘16); grandchildren Marc Aurele and John Nault, Alessandro and Mariella Silvia, and Isabelle and Evelyn Creech. 

Described by his beloved USNA classmates as the “bouncin’est guy around”,  Smokey was a lifelong Redskins/Commanders and Navy football fan. Smokey spent his weekends cheering on his favorite teams and inviting all those who knew him to join in his excitement. He also loved the warmth of the beach and the summer sun, living off the endless optimism of a beautiful day with a rum punch. Leroy Frank Field Jr.’s legacy of dedication to his family and friends will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing, working, laughing, and dancing with him. 

The Field Family would like to sincerely thank the Leukemia Oncology team at Johns Hopkins Hospital, led by Dr. Mark Levis, and the nurses and staff at Sibley Memorial Hospital and INOVA Fairfax Hospital for their unwavering dedication to all their patients, including Smokey. 

A memorial service will be held at The United States Naval Academy Chapel on December 18th at 10:30am, 121 Blake Rd, Annapolis, MD 21402, followed by military honors at the Columbarium, and a luncheon and celebration of his life at the Naval Academy Club at 12pm, 2 Truxtun Rd, Annapolis, MD 21402.