Robert Arthur Woithe

Robert Arthur (Bob) Woithe, born in 1935 in Teaneck, New Jersey, died of natural causes in Florida surrounded by his family on March 24, 2025. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Marion Merrill Woithe and his sister Marion Oakley. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Susan Provost Woithe, sons Bob (Debra) and Bruce (Melissa), grandchildren Rob, Luke, Annabelle, and Lane, and nine nieces and nephews.

Bob graduated from Teaneck High School and the University of Virginia where he was president of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and a varsity soccer player. After serving in the Army, Bob began a career in the textile industry culminating in 20 years with West Point Pepperell where he retired as president of the Consumer Products Division.

Bob lived in Basking Ridge and Green Pond, New Jersey for many years where he and Sue raised hunter/jumper horses on their farm along the Passaic River. Bob’s ingenuity inspired him to learn farriering and blacksmithing so he could create custom shoes for their show horses. He also served as course designer for horseshows throughout New Jersey. After retiring, Bob and Sue lived for the next 40 years on Palm Island, a Florida barrier island accessible only by boat. There, Bob played senior league softball for almost two decades and was a Volunteer fireman on Palm and Don Pedro Islands.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of Bob’s retirement was professional saltwater tournament fishing with his team, “The Reel Won.” Bob spent the last 33 years of his life fishing offshore tournament series, most notably the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) tours. Bob was a two-time SKA Senior Angler of the Year and captained his wife, Sue, to two SKA Lady Angler of the Year titles. Bob, Sue, their sons, and their grandchildren were two-time winners of the SKA Family Achievement Award and were honored with induction to the SKA Hall of Fame. Their dedication and skill earned them sponsorships from Mercury Marine, Yamaha Outboards, Yellowfin and Contender Boats.

Bob said many times that his goal was to live life to his absolute fullest while he was alive. His family and friends believe he succeeded. Bob’s remains will be cast into the Gulf of Mexico at his favorite fishing spots including Christmas Ridge 100 miles west of Palm Island, where he caught his first blue marlin and his last wahoo and tuna. This will occur as “The Reel Won” trolls a full spread of fishing gear in Bob’s final fishing trip.

A celebration of life is planned for later this year. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Palm Island Estates association (palmislandestates.org) or the Bocilla Islands Conservancy (bocillaislandsconservancy.org) are suggested.