Robert John Kanjian

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert John Kanjian, “Bob” as he was known by everyone, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Bob passed away on January 28, 2025, at the age of 80, after being cared for by the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House Team, where he was shown tremendous compassion as he finished his life’s journey. As a long-time cancer survivor, 25-year laryngectomee and the challenge of having Parkinson’s, he faced every one of those life hurdles with his dear wife, Carol, by his side since 1962.

Born on February 17, 1944, in New York, Bob grew up in the neighborhood of Corona, Queens New York and attended St. John’s University where he met Carol Ann King, who would become his lifelong partner. After marrying Carol in 1965, Bob and Carol took the big step to leave New York and raise the new family down in the “country” as he liked to call Maryland. Any place that had grass was the country to him. Bob was a dedicated servant to his community for many years. He worked as a policeman in Washington D.C. beginning in 1966, where he showed unwavering commitment to treating everyone with respect and dignity. As a rookie patrolman walking the beat his keen skills and high ethical standards were noted quickly and he was elevated to several divisions in the D.C. Metropolitan Department including working undercover in narcotics along with the joint DC/Federal Task force combating drug distribution networks, later as decorated homicide detective and then finishing his police career in the Career Criminal Unit. While he was known for putting away some of Washington’s biggest gangsters and criminals, including “One Armed Bill”, the brightest spotlight on Bob’s efforts to always do what was right was his work that exonerated an innocent man, Bradford Brown, whom had been previously convicted of murder and had already served eight years in prison for a crime that he had not committed. After retiring from the MPD in 1986, he continued his public service working in the Prince George’s County School System and as a Howard County Court Commissioner. In addition to his career in law enforcement, Bob was an excellent soccer referee for over 30 years with the Metropolitan Washington Soccer Referees Association and served as the organization’s President and Assignor for many years. In the late 90’s Bob and Carol moved permanently to Clearwater Beach, Florida where they enjoyed socializing with new friends from Chicago, New York and many other places. Bob was known to hold court at the pool each day for many years and earned the “Mayor of the Grande” moniker from his many friends.

On May 1, 1965, Bob married his college sweetheart, Carol Ann, with whom he shared nearly six decades of love, companionship, and partnership, although he clearly got the better end of the deal. Together, they raised three children who were the pride of their lives: Robert Kanjian (spouse Anne Kanjian), Kirk Kanjian (spouse Janae Kanjian), and Amy Gonce (spouse Keith Gonce).

Bob’s legacy extends to his six beloved grandchildren: his namesake, Robert John Kanjian II “Jack”, Hannah Kanjian, Kyle Robert Gonce, Spencer Gonce, Colton Kanjian, and Braden Kanjian. His love for his family knew no bounds, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Bob never missed a game, a performance, or any special occasion for his kids, even with his demanding schedule. His love for family continued with his grandkids, whether it was introducing Jack to his love for planes, watching countless games, plays, or performances, he always left with a big hug and a kiss goodbye, but never without saying “I love you”. He was always so proud of his children and grandchildren and spent many hours taking pride in telling stories of their successes to his friends.

A devoted family man and a respected member of his community, Bob's impact on those around him was profound. He was a devoted Catholic and served for many years, rising to the Third Degree, and earning the title of Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his gift for nicknaming everyone, his self-styled Kanjian sayings, his unwavering love and dedication to his family and his public service.

Bob was predeceased by his parents John and Jeanne Kanjian, his sister Dolores Bugbee and is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and many friends who will miss him dearly.

Please join us for an Online Celebration of Bob's life on March 15, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Please click link below and follow instructions.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87060963470?pwd=bN6v0eeXpXKwaJalH1gacGBEHifWIn.1

Meeting ID: 870 6096 3470

Passcode: 617181

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Rock Steady Boxing Cypress Palms, Laryngectomee Club of Montgomery County, or the charity of your choice in his memory.