Robert A. Walz

Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy A (McCarren) Walz of Spring Hill FL; daughters, Melissa A Karcher of Bertram, TX (husband Bob), Laura J McDonald of Austin, TX (husband Steven), Coleen E Ensley of Stroudsburg, PA; grandchildren, Shayne D Walz, Jarred P Ensley and Brandon Walz; as well as his brother Jackie Walz (wife Maureen). He was predeceased by his first wife Bertha (Whitman) Walz, son Robert 'Bobby' J. Walz and brother Donald '(Big) Otto' Walz.

To sum up Bob’s life in only a few paragraphs would be an impossible task – but one we’re still willing to try. Bob was born to John and Winifred Walz in Staten Island, NY on the bright and sunny day of August 27, 1941. Bob spent his childhood years living in Staten Island, NY. During his high school years, Bob studied Automotive Body Repair. When he graduated from McKee High School, he enlisted into the Coast Guard Reserves.

Bob spent most of his life in the auto body industry and was a true master of the craft. He owned multiple successful auto repair businesses throughout his lifetime in both New York and Pennsylvania, two well-known shops were Otto's Body and Fender and ABT Auto Body Technicians. Bob was a man of many talents and interests and his career can only be defined as a variety, he would always try new things. In addition to auto repair, his resume contains time as a gas company repairman, restaurant owner, school bus driver, insurance adjustor, artist, hair salon owner, insulation salesperson, real estate agent, and eventually an actor. Acting became his passion and he loved it. He was most proud of the part of Willie Lohman in Death of a Salesman from one of the many plays he was in. Other favorites of his roles were characters in the movie Wet Hot American Summer and the independent films Pennsylvania Holy Ghosts and Misty Mountain.

Bob was a diehard New York Jets fan! Even though they had many difficult seasons, he stayed a true fan with hopes for each approaching season. Bob enjoyed playing sports himself and was a talented quarterback in football as well as a pitcher in softball. His other interests were drawing and painting or, generally, being creative in different ways, he could create or repair anything. He could pinstripe a car freehand to perfection. Bob beautifully restored cars to surprise his wife, Nancy. He was a great cook, (his spaghetti sauce was the best). He enjoyed people and was a jokester, he would not be content until he would make any and every acquaintance smile. He loved to travel and would never let himself be bored. An eternal optimist who kept copies of The Optimist Creed everywhere! He was labeled by many as the most popular man around due to his friendliness and was recognized wherever he went. Some may say it's due to his noticeable 6'5" height and others, his favorite and famous 'BOB' brass belt buckle.

Bob and Nancy always dreamed of moving to Florida and in 2016 after spending 37 years living in the Marshall’s Creek area of the Pocono Mountains of PA., started their new adventure and loved every minute of it. They ended up in Spring Hill, FL to enjoy the warm sun.

Many would like to know how they best can honor Bob's legacy. We ask that you take the time to travel, try new things, spend time with your friends and loved ones or, perhaps, simply tell a joke as Bob would do to brighten someone's day.

Two casual services will be held due to Bob's multi-state popularity and for travel conveniences, a memorial gathering in Staten Island, New York on Friday Dec 9, 2022, at Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home from 2- 4 PM and a life celebration in Stroudsburg, PA on Sunday Dec 11, 2022, at The Stroudsmoor Country Inn – Lawnhaven from 3-7 PM. Please join us with your memories of Dad.