Mr. Robert Bob M. Stevenson

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Robert M. Stevenson who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Robert was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Robert knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

His parents were Philip & Catherine Stevenson. Robert was raised in Harrison, New Jersey. Even as a youngster, Robert learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Robert was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Robert was raised with one sister, Patricia Moran, now deceased. Robert had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Robert, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

In school, Robert was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Robert was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Robert’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Harrison High School in 1956. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. He was the smallest kid in his class and he graduated at age 16.

Robert’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Robert’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Robert saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration in 1963 from Seton Hall University.

Robert was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Robert was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Robert came to expect his high standards of performance. His childhood friends were Bill Fitzsimmons and Michael DiBella.

An objective and conscientious individual, Robert reveled in the security of his family. On October 17, 1964 Robert exchanged wedding vows with Lorraine Kujawski at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Linden, New Jersey. One of Robert’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Robert was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Robert would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Robert was blessed with three children, two sons Robert and Mark and one daughter Kara.

Being a owner who praised efficiency, Robert was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Robert was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his employees and co workers. In both his personal and professional environments, Robert upheld his standards. His primary occupation was Purchasing Manager and Business Owner. Robert was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Robert was a Navy Veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women.

Robert approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuit was fishing. Robert was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Robert to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching basketball whenever he got the opportunity.

Faith was important to Robert. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Port St. Lucie and St. Paul Lutheran Church of Boca Raton.

When Robert’s retirement finally arrived in 2003, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Port St. Lucie from Boca Raton. In retirement, he found new pleasure in spending time with his family and friends. In many ways, Robert loved retirement.

Robert passed away on May 11, 2010 at home in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He is survived by his wife Lorraine, sons Robert and wife Sandra, Mark and wife Anna and daughter Kara. A Memorial Gathering and Service was held at Kraeer Funeral Home. Robert will remain with his loving family.

All who knew him would agree that Robert was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Robert M. Stevenson did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

Stevenson, Robert M. - 70, passed away on May 11, 2010 in Port St. Lucie, FL. Formerly of Boca Raton, he was a proud alumnus of Seton Hall University and served our country during the early 1960's in the US Navy. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Lorraine, his children Robert (Sandra), Mark (Anna) and Kara. A Memorial Gathering will take place Friday May 14th at 6 pm with a Memorial Service at 7 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Port St. Lucie or your own house of worship.

Kraeer Funeral Home

1353 North Federal Highway

Boca Raton, FL 33432

561-395-1800