Robert Sr. & Juanita A. Venegas

For 63 years of marriage, Bob and Juana lived full, blessed lives that included many friends, card parties, bowling, travel and humble homes that eventually became waterfront property in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. After their combined retirement to return to family in Florida, they enjoyed family cruises to the Caribbean, Baltic and Mediterranean seas. While they survived many of their friends and family, they kept their love and focus on each other – their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Both would say “88 Years old…..we’ve had an amazing life” in their final days.

Robert and Juanita’s legacy continues with daughter Kathi Y. Reed, their granddaughter and son-in-law (Amanda and Greg Gilreath) and Bob and Juana’s great-grandchild, Parker Gilreath.

The Venegas name will be passed down through their son, Robert Venegas Jr – with wife Nancy Clare Venegas (Dillard), to Robert Sr’s grandson, Robert Venegas III and daughter Jacqueline Clare Venegas.

Juanita would often remark that, ‘If we plan it, they will come!’

* * * * * * * * * *

With sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, Robert Venegas Jr and Kathi Y. Reed, announce the passing of our beloved parents, Juanita A. Venegas and Robert Venegas Sr.

Juanita (Juana/Nina) passed away at the Palm Harbor FL, Hospice Center on January 5th.

Robert (Bob/Poppy ) passed away at the Sabal Palms Nursing Center, Largo FL, on January 15th.

Bob and Juana were inseparable in life – and for only 10 days, due to differing medical issues they were separated before being reunited in God’s Kingdom.

Their love and journey together started when they met in San Francisco, California in 1959. For the next 63 years of their marriage, they spent time loving their children, family and friends, both in the San Francisco Bay Area (Oakland, and Alameda CA) and Pinellas County (Indian Rocks Beach and Dunedin FL).

Born in Largo, FL September 1934, Juanita was raised by her Mother and Father – Kathleen and Duncan C. Carmichael along with her 3 Sisters and 1 Brother. Juanita was the youngest child in the family, the little sister to Inez, John (Buck), Thelma (Mamoo) and Lura (‘Ludie Bell’). The family, along with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, still maintain a loving and close relationship with the Florida and California families.

Born with Polio, Juanita had multiple surgeries on her legs that enabled her to live an active life. She would often say ‘I see no problem at all’ when faced with life’s challenges. At Largo High School, Juanita was an All-Star Volleyball player, Cheerleader, a Majorette and All State baton twirler for the Largo Packers marching Band. Later in life, Juanita was an accomplished bowler and for nearly 20 years; competed in National WIBC tournaments around the country. Her highest achievement was a 297 game, or, 11 consecutive strikes, only 3 pins shy of a perfect game. She then took up golf as an activity to share with their friends; Juana shot a hole-in-one on a 157-yard par-3. Bob, who had golfed for years, was very jealous!

Always a leader, Juanita held multiple executive positions for Alameda County Bowling Association….scheduling and overseeing events, managing leagues, tournaments and working with the Professional Bowlers Association when the tour came to the San Francisco, Bay Area. This included working with the ABC television crews that would televise these professional events, nationally.

As an entrepreneur, Juanita owned and managed her own hair and nail salon business – ‘Juana’s Workshop’ – she ran this successful business in Oakland and later Alameda CA for over 20 years. After their retirement to Florida , at the age of 63, Juanita was restless and acquired her Real Estate license for the State of Florida.

Robert Sr born in Stockton, CA 1934, was raised by his Aunt, Rosa Franco, due to lifelong health issues his mother Isabel Ruiz suffered from. Robert attended Garfield Elementary School, Forrest Mann Middle School, and later Mission High School in San Francisco, where he played Nose Guard for the Mission High School Bears football team and enjoyed Boxing at the local gymnasium.

At the age of 16, Robert joined the National Guard (early, not disclosing his age). As a US born, Mexican-American, bi-lingual in English and Spanish, Robert quickly learned his 10 General Orders and could recite them in Spanish and English. For this, he became a Section Leader. He enjoyed the role. In Fall of 1950, President Truman issued an order to mobilize the Army and Air Force National Guard to support U.S. troops in the Korean War. Upon graduating from Mission High School in 1952, Robert Sr, enlisted in the United States Air Force.

The Air Force provided Robert with some of his fondest memories. Beginning with Basic Training at Parks Air Force Base in Dublin CA., he later passed through Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls TX and eventually to Portland Air Force Base, Oregon. At the age of 19, in Portland, he saw snow for the first time in his life. On describing his tour in Portland, he noted that ‘Portland had a great dance hall’ as he was able to show off his excellent dance skills. Believing his Air Force career would end in Portland after 2 more years, he was surprised to receive new orders that would create his most memorable moments in the Air Force. Reassigned to Alconbury Air Force Base in Cambridge, England, Robert was able to use his troubleshooting and mechanical skills to maintain and repair C47 aircraft that delivered ammunition and maintenance parts as well as flying missions to Saudi Arabia and Wilkes AFB in Tripoli. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge in November 1956, he made arrangements to return to San Francisco to begin his life after the Air Force.

Robert held positions in Accounting for Tidewater Oil company and a 2nd evening job tending bar at The Club Sahara in San Francisco. (This job and location would turn out to be a ‘very special place’).

In 1959, Juanita was on one of her traveling adventures – in San Francisco - traveling with her daughter (5 year old Kathi), and a long time lady friend named Wally.

Juanita met Robert at Club Sahara and the lifelong love, began. In 1959 Juanita needed to return to FL and not long after, Robert followed. The soulmates were married in March of 1960, where Robert Jr. was born and the family of Robert and Juanita Venegas was cast. The Venegas family began laying down what they thought would be their roots; however Robert’s family needs dictated a move back to San Francisco with thoughts of an eventual return to Florida, someday.

After returning back to California Robert’s career was on a path that he enjoyed and, he knew would provide for his family – 27 years of service with Pacific Bell as a telephone installer, repairman and eventually a Data Systems Technician until his retirement in 1994. One of his favorite tasks was working on Sundays’ for NBC television, connecting data and communications for the (then) Oakland Raiders NFL franchise.

For 63 years of marriage, Bob and Juana lived full, blessed lives that included many friends, card parties, bowling, travel and humble homes that eventually became waterfront property in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. After their combined retirement to return to family in Florida, they enjoyed family cruises to the Caribbean, Baltic and Mediterranean seas. While they survived many of their friends and family, they kept their love and focus on each other – their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Both would say “88 Years old…..we’ve had an amazing life” in their final days.

Robert and Juanita’s legacy continues with daughter Kathi Y. Reed, their granddaughter and son-in-law (Amanda and Greg Gilreath) and Bob and Juana’s great-grandchild, Parker Gilreath.

The Venegas name will be passed down through their son, Robert Venegas Jr – with wife Nancy Clare Venegas (Dillard), to Robert Sr’s grandson, Robert Venegas III and daughter Jacqueline Clare Venegas.

Juanita would often remark that, ‘If we plan it, they will come!’

With this in mind, a Celebration of Life for Juanita and Robert Venegas Sr is scheduled:

Please join us in Celebrating the Lives of Robert and Juanita on:

Date: March 26, 2023, at 1:00 PM

Location: Sylvan Abbey

2853 Sunset Point Rd,

Clearwater, FL 33759

Flowers accepted at Sylvan Abbey, or if you prefer, a contribution to the family’s chosen charity:

Suncoast Hospice Foundation

      5771 Roosevelt Blvd

      Clearwater, FL 33760

      For: Juanita A. Venegas and Robert Venegas Sr.

With Love,

Kathi and Robert Jr.