Aside from his family, Bob’s greatest devotion was to the United States. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1963 and served his country in many locations around the world, with his favorite duty station being in Germany where he met his first love, Margarita, the mother of his children, to whom he was married for 42 years until her passing in 2007. Bob retired after 23 years of service as a Senior Master Sergeant. After retirement from the Air Force, Bob devoted another 30 years to government service at Andrews Air Force Base, the home base of Air Force One, as the Mission Systems Flight Chief for the 89th Communications Squadron. While working at Andrews Air Force Base, he met and eventually married, his last love, Melissa.
Bob received many awards and accolades during his time of service to his country including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, and the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, of which he was most proud. In his spare time, Bob was an avid golfer, softball player, cyclist, sports enthusiast, world traveler, beer and wine connoisseur, and history buff. He played at golf courses all around the world and enjoyed collecting golf balls from each course. His favorite course of all was in Aruba, where he played with his best friend Pat Malone.
After retiring, he and Melissa moved to Florida where he could play golf all year round. In Florida, Bob enjoyed going to the beach, hanging out at the tiki bar, trying new restaurants, and golfing with his new friends. After retirement, Bob made a point to vacation as often as he could. Every year he went on a cruise with his wife Melissa, son Mark, and daughter-in-law Kathleen. He said his most memorable one was the South American cruise where they traveled through the Panama Canal in 2019.
When Bob married Melissa, he inherited three grown children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He loved spending time with the grandchildren, teaching them how to play chess, putt-putt golf, and shoot pool. He delighted most in the fact that he introduced them to the fine art of eating hot wings and desserts.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Margurite Botwinick, first wife Margarita Botwinick, his sisters Marsha Graves and Diane Unterspan.
Bob is survived by his wife Melissa Botwinick, his eldest son Markus Botwinick, daughter-in-law Kathleen Botwinick, his youngest son Jeffrey Botwinick, his step-children and their spouses: Stacy and Seth Pascarella, Angela and Dale Roberts, Stephen and Teighlor Miller. He leaves behind his grandsons (wingmen) Jarrett, Clay, Jacob, Ethan, Colby, and Elwood and his granddaughters (sweethearts) Karley, Josalyn, Tina, and Ryleigh, and one great-grandson Kason. In addition to his beloved children and grandchildren, he was fond of his nieces Melissa and Michelle. Bob leaves behind a multitude of friends, former co-workers, and Airmen he had the privilege and honor to serve beside and mentor throughout his life.
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