Roy Briand Cowdrey

Captain, U.S. Navy

Roy Briand Cowdrey was born on 31 August 1921 in Boston, MA, to Rear Admiral Roy T. Cowdrey and Marguerite B. Cowdrey. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with the accelerated class of 1944 and was commissioned in June 1943. Upon graduation from the Academy, he married Annette B. Bell.

He first served in World War II as Gunnery Officer aboard the destroyer USS Sterrett in the Pacific. In 1945 he attended submarine school and, upon graduation, transferred to the submarine USS Glamagore as Engineering Officer for three years. Following two years as an Instructor at the Submarine School, he was assigned to the submarine SSK-1 as Executive Officer. Upon completing his next shore assignment, Captain Cowdrey assumed command of the submarine USS Bream, homeport Pearl Harbor, from 1956-58.

From February 1958 to August 1960, Cowdrey's assignments included a tour as the Flag Secretary, Aide to Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet, and Chief of Staff Officer, Submarine Squadron ONE. In August of 1961, he assumed command of Submarine Division SEVENTY-THREE. In August 1962, Captain Cowdrey reported to the Naval Academy where he served as Executive Assistant to the Superintendent. In January 1964, he assumed the duties of Chief of Staff, Severn River Naval Command as well as Administrative Aide to the Superintendent, USNA. He took command of the USS Bushnell in July of 1965. In September 1966, he reported to the Office of Chief of Naval Operations. In June 1969, Captain Cowdrey assumed command of Submarine Squadron ONE, and in October 1969, he assumed the additional duties of Commander, Submarine Flotilla FIVE. Captain Cowdrey assumed command of the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility, Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA, in June of 1970.

Captain Cowdrey retired from the Navy in 1973 and settled in Annapolis at the age of 51 with his devoted wife, Annette. Together, they enjoyed their retirement years in Annapolis and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. In addition to spending time with his family, he loved vacationing at the beach and playing both golf and tennis.

Captain Roy Briand Cowdrey, USN (Retired), 88, died Thursday, 31 December 2009 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years and the love of his life, Annette B. Bell: five children, Roy B. Cowdrey, Jr, Esq. and his wife Dael; Suzanne B. Cowdrey; Brigadier General Christian B. Cowdrey, USMC (Retired) and his wife Donna; Charles S. Cowdrey and his wife Joan; and Daniel W. Cowdrey (Captain, USMC, 1984-1996) and his wife Maggie: his brother, Edmund B. Cowdrey of Claremont, CA; ten grandchildren, Christian B. Cowdrey, II (Lieutenant, USN 1998-2005); Lauran Cowdrey Morrison and her husband Captain Stewart A. Morrison, USCG; Lindsay Cowdrey Cole and her husband Lieutenant Cory W. Cole USN; Petty Officer 2nd Class Donald Andrews, USN; Leah Cowdrey; Caroline Cowdrey; Keith Cowdrey; Lino Cowdrey; Sean Cowdrey; and Catie Bell Cowdrey; and three great grandchildren, Blake C. Cole; Connor L. Morrison; and Luke M. Cole.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Matthew B. Cowdrey, in 2005, beloved son of Roy B. Cowdrey, Jr., Esq. and his wife Dael.

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