Robert A. “Bob” Croft, 91, passed away on Jan. 9, 2026, in Lebanon, PA.
Robert Croft was born on July 19, 1934, in New York, NY, to John and Jennie Croft.
Robert served his country for 22 years with the U.S. Navy as a diver. During the periods of 1951 to 1953, and 1954 to 1974, respectively, Robert served on the following submarines: USS Bergall (SS-320), USS Blenny (SS-324), USS Halfbeak (SS-352), USS Hardhead (SS-365), USS Tusk (SS-426), USS Trutta (SS-421), USS Odax (SS-484), USS X-1, and Trieste II (DSV-1). He also served as an instructor at the Groton Submarine Escape Training Tank in Connecticut.
Robert was a research subject for Navy doctors and scientists developing air packing techniques for breath-hold diving. During his younger years, Robert was a certified PADI/NAUI SCUBA instructor and avid freediver, teaching diving and spreading his passion everywhere from Nazareth, PA, to the beautiful Bahamas.
He was the first human to freedive deeper than 200 feet, going on to set three world records (twice in 1967, and once in 1969). In 2016, Robert received a NOGI Award in the Sports & Education category from the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences, for his record of accomplishments and excellence; the NOGI has been called “the Oscar of the ocean world.”
Robert worked for a time for Tarrytown Labs Inc. in Tarrytown, NY, manufacturing recompression chambers to be used by oil rig divers in the Gulf of Mexico. Later in life, Robert continued to perform diving-related guest speaking engagements throughout the U.S. and was a truly recognized legend in the field.
Robert also enjoyed a long career in various management positions, including at Ingersoll Rand in Phillipsburg, NJ. He worked as a manager and videographer, creating training videos for Dresser-Rand in Olean, NY, until his retirement.
At that point, he and his beloved wife, Edna E. Croft, sold their house, bought a fifth wheel camper, and spent the next five years traveling the country, visiting family, and making new friends along the way. Robert and Edna then settled in Easton, PA, and eventually moved into Kindred Place Independent Living in Annville, PA.
Robert is survived by his wife, Edna Croft; and their three children, Jennifer Schaadt, of Lebanon, PA, Jeffrey (Karen) Croft, of Fort Littleton, PA, and Randall (Mariann) Croft, of Stroudsburg, PA.
Services for Mr. Robert Croft will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations can be made in Robert’s name to the History of Diving Museum, 82990 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036.
