Lieutenant Robert Anthony Pope L-17
(1942-2026)
Bob was born on October 3, 1942 in Cincinnati, the first of two sons born to Robert F. and Edith N. (Rowland) Pope. He attended St. Xavier High School and graduated in June 1960. He then attended the University of Cincinnati for a brief time, majoring in criminology.
On November 29, 1961, Bob enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves and was assigned to Aviation. He was honorably discharged after one year.
Bob joined the Cincinnati Police Division on March 23, 1964 in its 42nd Recruit Class. He was promoted to Patrolman on June 28, 1964, issued Badge 474, and assigned to District 2 (314 Broadway). He was rotated to District 6 (3295 Erie Avenue) on July 3, 1966. On February 7, 1971, being high on the Police Specialist promotional list, he was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Section. He was promoted to Specialist on March 21, 1971 and issued Badge PS-173. On April 22, 1973, he was promoted to Sergeant, issued Badge S-125, and assigned to District 4, 7017 Vine Street. On December 3, 1978, Sergeant Pope was assigned to Criminal Investigation Section (222 E. Central Parkway) in the new position of Auto Theft Coordinator and became a virtual legend in all things regarding auto theft and prevention. In 1979, Sergeant Pope was elected President of the Cincinnati Police Supervisor’s Association. In 1980, he was named the Exchange Club’s Policeman of the Year.
He was promoted to Lieutenant on July 27, 1986, issued Badge L-17, and assigned as a shift commander in District 5 (1012 Ludlow Avenue). A year later, he was rotated back to Erie Avenue, by then renumbered District 2. Then, in less than four months, Lieutenant Pope was transferred back to Criminal Investigation Section as Property Crimes Unit Commander. Four months later, he transferred to District 3 (3201 Warsaw Avenue) as the Investigative Unit Commander and often the Acting District 3 Commander. On October 10, 1992, Lieutenant Pope retired with 28½ years of service to his community and 36 letters of appreciation and/or commendation; including ten from Cincinnati Police Chiefs, two from a Madeira Police Chief, and one each from the Cincinnati City Manager, the Kentucky State Police Department, and an Assistant United States Attorney. His last working day was his 50th birthday.
Lieutenant Pope died on the night of June 6, 2026 at the age of 83.
Lieutenant Pope then took a position with Western Southern Life as its Director of Security. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Cincinnati Police Federal Credit Union and served as its President.
Lieutenant Pope died on the night of June 6, 2026 at the age of 83.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Tracy Pope Holden. Lieutenant Pope is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jean Ann (Rinaldi) Pope; son-in-law, Keith (Kelly) Holden; grandchildren, Grace Holden, Nicholas Holden, Brendan Schoening, and Meghan (Ethan) Bulen; and brother, Richard (Eileen) Pope.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 12 to 2 p.m. at Thomas-Justin Memorial at 7500 Montgomery Road in Kenwood. An FOP service will be held at 1:45 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, June 15th at 10 a.m. at St. Columban Catholic Church at 894 Oakland Road in Loveland. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
© 2026 – All rights reserved to LT Stephen R. Kramer RET and the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum