Robert "Bob" John Anderson

Robert John “Bob” Anderson, 86, of Largo, devoted husband, father and grandfather, died January 9, 2022. He was born in New York state on January 6, 1936 and raised at an orphanage until his adoption at 13 years old. Bob worked on his family’s farm throughout his teen years and graduated from Catskill High School. He later served in the US Army at Fort Bliss and in Germany.

Bob moved to Florida in the late 1950s and began working at Honeywell Inc. while pursuing a degree in mathematics, chemistry and physics from the University of South Florida. While at Honeywell he met his beloved wife, Carole. They were married for over 46 wonderful years.

After graduating from USF, Bob worked as an electrical engineer for Honeywell for over 44 years, including three years at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. While at Honeywell he was president of the company’s federal credit union for five years and served on the board of directors for 15 years. He was also the official photographer for the “Honeywell Clowns” service organization, even photographing the clowns as they marched in Walt Disney World’s first year celebration in 1972. An active member of the Honeywell Retirees Club and Minnregs for years, his favorite volunteer position was Birthday Chairman, singing his own special version of “Happy Birthday” to all.

Bob was a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus for over 64 years, including most recently, the Divine Mercy Council 17249 and Fourth Degree Assembly, Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley, 1448. He was Grand Knight of Council 4892 and achieved the “Florida State Council of the Year” during his term. Bob attained the distinguished honor of State Deputy, placing second in the Supreme Circle of Honor his first year and first in his second year. He was appointed District Master of Florida and helped grow the organization through 26 new councils during his tenure. Bob also served as Vice Supreme Master of the DeSoto Province from 2015 to 2019. Bob was also an active member of St. Jerome’s Church, where he was president of the parish council for two years.

Bob and Carole were loving parents to their daughters, Jenny and Kathy, and active in their community — taking great pleasure in participating in school and community events. Bob also loved to share his knowledge with others and volunteered as a tutor at Seminole High School and various middle schools throughout Pinellas County for over 30 years.

Bob could be found calling bingo at the Elks Lodge every Thursday for the past year.

Bob will be remembered for his love, generosity, strong faith, humor and positive attitude. He always had a song in his heart, a twinkle in his eye and a story to tell.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Carole. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Anderson (Kevin); daughter, Kathleen Dudinsky (Mike); and cherished granddaughters Abigail and Kayla.

In lieu of flowers, spread the Bob Anderson joy by breaking out into song to total strangers! “My, Oh My, What a Wonderful Day” to celebrate the life of this man, who is sitting “On Top of the World Lookin’ Down on Creation”!

To view the visitation and services for Bob, please tune in at the time of the services by clicking the link below. Once on the website, click "Robert "Bob" John Anderson" and it will bring you to the livestream.

https://vimeo.com/user163466947