Robert “Bob” Rust passed away over the weekend. He served as US Attorney in our district from 1969 to the mid 1970s (he and Willy Ferrer our are longest serving US Attorneys). Rust had a significant impact on the office, hiring lawyers like Pat Sullivan, who went on to prosecute Noriega in the early '90s.
Before becoming US Attorney, Bob was an AUSA. In that role he helped foil the assassination of then President-elect John F. Kennedy on December 15, 1960 in Palm Beach. The story is wild and worth a read. For his efforts, he received the Award of Merit from the Chief of the U.S. Secret Service.
Rest in peace, Bob. You will be missed.
Rest in Peace Bob. It was an honor to serve under you. "be forever vigilant" Nate Speights former AUSA
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, Nate. Judge Moore shared this tribute with me. Much appreciated, John Byrne. Obituary is on legacy.com from Sunday paper and funeral home website will have the longer more detailed version to be added sometime Monday likely. Has short version on there now. It turned out beautifully and is a great read about his 96 years and his career. Terrible loss for our family. He was one of a kind and loved by many. Service is this Friday 9/20 at Granada Presbyterian at 11am. Contact Judge Kevin Moore if you plan to attend who is in touch with me. Sincere thanks, Wendy (his youngest)
DeleteA legend and a hero. US Marine 41 years. Ausa. US attorney. State legislator. They don’t make them like this anymore.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear the news. This blog performs a great service teaching/reminding us about SDFL.
ReplyDeleteAgree about the service this blog renders. Kudos to David, John and the others. It's important that we lawyers, who tend to have short memories, remember those who've come before us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this kind tribute to my father. He was a great man, steadfast Marine, beloved father and grandfather and is greatly missed. Thank you John and other AUSAs and friends for your messages about my Dad. Service is this Friday at Granada Church in the Gables at 11am. Reach out to Judge Kevin Moore if you need to reach me. He loved his reunions with his AUSAs. I was just looking through photos from his past birthdays… and lunches. Best! Wendy Rust
ReplyDeletehttps://www.vanorsdel.com/m/obituaries/Robert-Rust-5/Memories
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