Robert Alton Toher, co-inventor of the first underwater research one-man submarine "Star 1" has died from complications of a stroke at the Hospice Chaplaincy in Kennewick. He was 81. Born March 8, 1927, this native Rhode Islander left after high school to serve in the Army at the conclusion of World War II in the European theater. He later served in the Korean War after which he completed his education at the University of Rhode Island and began his career as a civil engineer with General Dynamics and later Westinghouse. Among his many accomplishments he was proud of, was being Mayor of Groton Borough, CT. In addition to inventing Star 1, he also developed two other Star submarines in this series. Star 2 was used by the University of Hawaii and the other Star 3, has a mechanical arm for retrieval, which is owned by Scripts Underwater Research. After leaving General Dynamic/Electric Boat, Robert worked for Westinghouse on various projects in California and Maryland. He retired in 1989, after working 13 years for the Westinghouse Hanford Company in support of the safe and efficient operations at Hanford's N Reactor. In addition to his many work accomplishments, he was the most proud of being a father and having a positive influence in the lives of his many children. Robert's hobbies included golfing and traveling but he especially enjoyed sailing on his boat, "Bananas" on the Chesapeake Bay. He took great pleasure in the camaraderie offered by all three and was able to partake post-retirement in many golf dates and several European trips with his wife and friends. He was preceded in death by his first love, Marilyn Alfieri; parents William and Marion; brothers, Richard and William, Jr. and step-daughter, Leslie Cronkhite. In addition to his loving wife of 33 years, Marilyn C. Toher, he is survived by the following combined family, all of whom he loved. Cynthia Toher of St. Louis Park, MN, David Toher of Phoenix, AZ, and Christopher Toher of Kirkland, WA; stepchildren Carla Cronkhite Vera of Los Angeles, CA; Robert Cronkhite, Julie Brunette, and Lisa Cameron all of the Tri-Cities, WA and Jill Stephenson of Seattle, WA. He was blessed with the love of 13 grandchildren and daughters-in-law, Roxanne, Erin, and Christine. Upon his wishes, there will be no funeral services. He will be eternally remembered in New London Cemetery, New London, Connecticut. To celebrate his love of the sea, a maritime commemoration will be held on the Puget Sound at a later date. To honor his military service, a traditional flag and rifle salute ceremony ceremony will be held at the National Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ. Gods speed until we meet again. The family invites you to sign the guestbook at www.HillcrestMemorialCenter.com.