Robert "Bob" Kusterer Taubert

Robert “Bob” Kusterer Taubert, also known as "The Rock", 86, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. He battled Waldenstrom's Macroglobinemia, a chronic cell cancer associated with exposure to Agent Orange.

Bob was born on the 12th of July in Queens, NY. He was the son of the late William and Emily Taubert. He grew up in Rego Park with his sister, the late Arlene Taubert Eberhardt. Growing up, Bob was active in the Boy Scouts and track and field.

After graduation from high school, Bob pursued his love of athletics and education, earning a bachelor's in Physical Education and a Master’s in Education Sciences from the Manhattan College in the Bronx and the University of Florida respectively.

After completing his education, with the Vietnam War in progress, he was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps. Upon completion of his training at Quantico and Camp Lejeune, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. This is where he met and married his wife, Nancy Anne Lambe, a Navy nurse. Bob spent 12 years in the USMC serving two combat tours in Vietnam and rising to the rank of Major serving as a Company Commander.

After his military service, Bob joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a Special Agent. He spent 24 years with the FBI and had a prolific career. He played a critical and pivotal role in the creation of the Hostage Rescue Team, was the Special Agent Liaison for USMC and United States Navy, helped pioneer the birth of Navy Seal Team 6, and led joint operations involving Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) teams. His experience took him all over the world helping countries improve security and responding to hostage crises.

In retirement, Bob continued to pursue his passion for military and law enforcement. Bob is a published author and contributor to multiple law enforcement journals. He was a contributor to the book "Soldiering On" and authored "Rattenkrieg! The Art and Science of Close Quarters Battle Pistol." He also served as a consultant and SIG Sauer Firearms instructor for Smith and Wesson.

In addition to his commitment to his career, Bob enjoyed being with family and friends, weight lifting at Gold's gym, going to the Izaak Walton League shooting range, teaching/mentoring others, kayaking and sports cars. He was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church of Fredericksburg and volunteered with the Knights of Columbus. He was known for reaching out and helping those in need.

Bob is survived by his wife Nancy and her siblings; Raymond Lambe, Janet Marx, Mary Bentler, and Karen Reidel. Many extended family; Nieces Joanne Marx Birkebak and Elizabeth Bentler Taylor held a special connection to Bob.

He is also survived by his late sister, Arlene's children; Patricia Stamm and her husband Michael and their two children Emily and Maia. John Eberhardt, his wife Shaundra and daughter Madeline, Grace Eberhardt Reuss and James Eberhardt and partner Alex Trulock, and James' children Kayla Johnson and Michael Paul Eberhardt.

Over the past two years, his nephew John, transformed the Taubert's home into an environment that continues to allow for eldercare in-home care for Nancy to live out her remaining years as well. So many lives have been touched by Bob.

He will be missed by many and his spirit will live on in our hearts and memories.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, November 13, 2023, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A Mass of a Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Church.  A reception, celebrating Bob's life, will be held at the church immediately following Mass. All are welcome.

A private ceremony of internment at Quantico National Cemetery is planned for November 29, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project, or Izaak Walton League of America, Fredericksburg Chapter.