Dr. Robert Elliot Murto, 89, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach, FL. He was born May 28, 1924 in Lancaster, PA to the late Thomas V. and Elizabeth Ferguson Murto.

Robert graduated from Mount St. Joseph High School in Baltimore, MD and Catholic University in Washington, Dc. He received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Following medical school in 1950, he traveled on the Moore McCormack Lines as the ship's surgeon. As a navy reservist, he was called to duty in August 1951. He served in MASH unit with the 1st Marine Division in Korea until December 1952. On returning to civilian life, he began his residency at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. He started his practice in Ophthalmology in Trenton, NJ in July 1955. He was an early proponent of the intraocular lens, studying in London, England and Spain.

Robert was a man of many interests including, flying, sailing, scuba diving, bridge, the Civil War, history, travel, an reading. He spent many happy years with his family and friends on Long Beach Island, NJ. Robert and his wife resided in Washington Crossing, PA for many years, retiring to Vero Beach, FL in 1997. He was a former member of the Trenton Club and the Trenton Country Club.

Robert is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marilyn, his daughter Eve Murto of San Francisco, CA, son Tod Murto of Melbourne Beach, FL, stepdaughter, Susan Anderson of Vero Beach, FL, and stepson, Gary Kohler and his wife, Jacqueline of Brick, NJ. He also has six grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his brothers, Thomas V. Murto of San Antonio, TX and Richard Murto of Tokyo, Japan, and his sister, Maryanne Culliton of Rockville, MD. Robert was predeceased by his sister, Katharine Ruddy of Seattle, WA.

Inurnment will be in the Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newton, PA.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mount St. Joseph High School, Development Office, 4403 Frederick Ave., Baltimore, MD 21229-4199.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach, FL. Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.