Elmer Robert “Rob” Premo

Elmer Robert “Rob” Premo, 90, of Morehead City, NC, and Arlington, VA, passed away on December 18, 2025, in Morehead City.

Rob will be laid to rest privately at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in New Bern. A service celebrating Rob’s life will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in New Bern at a later date. Those details will be shared once finalized.

Rob led a full life of learning, teaching, mentoring and engaging, whether in classrooms at all levels, on athletic fields, with agencies of the Federal government, or in computer and business enterprises. A native of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Rob graduated from Boston College High School, where he excelled in both track and field and cross country. He earned a BA in Liberal Studies from the University of Notre Dame and subsequently received a Master’s Degree in Theology from Notre Dame. A Master’s in Business Administration Degree from Marquette University added to his credentials as he taught and took on positions of increasing responsibility in academic administration. Through all his work, Rob kept his focus on his encouraging and mentoring students to excel.

Ever the learner, Rob took courses across many fields spanning history, philosophy, theology and numerous languages, as well as computer sciences and business management. Rob devoted many years to Federal government service with the Department of the Air Force and the US Foreign Service abroad and in the Washington, D.C. area.

Throughout his life, Rob was an athlete in heart and body. He completed his first marathon, the Boston Marathon, as a high school senior, and many more followed. He excelled in the decathlon, enjoyed throwing the shot put, hurling (and collecting!) javelins, participating in triathlons, and winning medals in many Senior Olympics competitions. Rob earned his Private Pilot Certification from the FAA and was a certified flight instructor. His quest for new adventures and learning led Rob to visit and make friends in many foreign countries, particularly Ireland, South Africa and Mongolia.

Those of us fortunate enough to have known Rob celebrate this Renaissance Man, wise, curious and ever learning, but not without his personal quirks. He eagerly discovered “incomparable bargains,” whether T-shirts or books on every imaginable subject. His choice of cuisine leaned to the buffet variety and to those offering 2-for-1 specials.

He treasured great books, spoke Latin, some Greek, and fluent computer-ese. Rob had a lifelong love of Our Lady’s university, the University of Notre Dame and other Catholic schools. He was passionate about attending daily Catholic mass wherever he was living or visiting.

Rob approached life with his own special sense of humor, an unending love of learning and complete devotion to his faith. A good man has moved on to meet his Maker. Amen.

Rob is survived by his devoted wife, Mattie Kissiah; two brothers, Gregory Lee of Louisville, KY and Jerome Clare of Orange, CA, as well as numerous cousins, other relatives and friends made over his lifetime. He loved and admired his two accomplished daughters, Cassandra Premo Steele and Bianca Premo. Rob also is survived by three granddaughters.

Rob was predeceased by his loving parents, Elmer Ledger Premo and Mary Elenore Clare Premo and by his brother, Paul Kenneth Premo.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.