Robert Glenn Barzelay

It is with great sadness that we announce that Bob Barzelay passed away August 14th in his home in Brandon, FL. He was 72 years old. Bob endured a great deal of pain from a variety of medical issues in the last couple years, but retained his sense of humor and sardonic wit throughout. He leaves behind his best friend and wife of 48 years, Judy Collier Barzelay, who endured Bob’s fishing hobby and meticulous yard work for decades, but also retained her sense of humor and joy throughout.

Born in Boston in 1951, Bob mainly grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he developed his love of cars and racing, fishing and the water. He went to Florida State University where he was in the Delta Chi fraternity, and he was always a die-hard Seminoles fan. He moved to Tampa in 1973, and married Judy two years later.

They raised their sons, David and John, in Seffner. They spent most of their childhood in an idyllic home, where the expansive yard, pond, and island were Bob’s pride and joy, especially the yard he personally landscaped and maintained with the help of the family. Bob was a longtime insurance agent, but spent much of his time fishing, often in the Cracker Boys Bass Club and West Coast Couples Club. He could and did fix just about anything, and loved to tinker.

In addition to his wife Judy, Bob is survived by his beloved sons, John and David, as well as John’s wife Ingrid Holguin, David’s wife Jeanette Barzelay, and David and Jeanette’s three children, Bob’s grandchildren, Arthur, Emmett, and June Barzelay. Bob was at his warmest and most playful with his grandchildren, and they will cherish their memories with him. He is also survived by his younger sister Elisa Collins and her husband Dan Jagusch, and Elisa’s sons Steven and Andrew.

Bob did not want a funeral, but his family and friends will gather this fall to scatter his ashes at his favorite lake.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.StowersFH.com for the Barzelay family.