Robert "Bob" Franklin Wrobel

Robert Franklin Wrobel, 80, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, in Bradenton, Florida. Born on December 24, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert—known to many as Bob—led a life marked by dedication to his family, his profession, and his passions.

Bob graduated from East Leyden High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Illinois. He earned both his undergraduate degree and law degree from the university, laying the foundation for a distinguished legal career that spanned decades and crossed state and international borders.

He began his professional journey as an associate at the law firm Stinson, Mag and Fizell in Kansas City, Missouri. His legal acumen and leadership soon led him to serve as General Counsel for the Marley Company in Mission Woods, Kansas. Bob later became General Counsel and Vice President of Duracell Batteries in Brookfield, Connecticut. His career culminated with his role as Chief Legal Officer and Vice President of Alpharma Pharmaceuticals, where he worked in both Fort Lee, New Jersey and Oslo, Norway.

Throughout his life, Bob was known for his quiet demeanor paired with a sharp sense of humor. He possessed a strong work ethic that earned him respect among colleagues and helped forge long-lasting friendships across the country and abroad.

Bob shared a loving marriage with Patricia Wrobel. Together they raised their sons Steve Wrobel and Jeffrey Wrobel. Bob found great joy in spending time with his daughter-in-law Lindsay Wrobel and adored his grandchildren Madison, Chance, and Aiden Wrobel. He also held close the memory of his late son Jeffrey Wrobel; sister Barbara Wrobel; father Frank Wrobel; mother Julia Wrobel; and brother-in-law David Nixon.

A devoted family man, Bob especially treasured moments spent with loved ones—whether traveling together or enjoying simple pleasures like golf outings or watching sports.

An avid golfer and lifelong sports enthusiast, Bob was a loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and University of Illinois football and basketball teams. His passion for sports was matched only by his love for travel and quality time with family.

Over the years, Bob called several places home: he was born and raised in Chicago Illinois; he lived in Overland Park, Kansas for 24 years; Wilton, Connecticut for 16 years; and spent the last 15 years enjoying retirement in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

Bob was a member of Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kansas; Wilton Presbyterian Church in Wilton, Connecticut; and First Presbyterian Church in Sarasota, Florida where he served as Chairman of the finance committee and member of the session.

A memorial service honoring Robert Franklin Wrobel’s life will be held on August 30, 2025 at Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center, 4310 Solutions Lane, Bradenton, FL 34211 at 1 PM.

Bob’s legacy lives on through those who knew him—as a caring father, devoted husband, proud grandfather, loyal friend, and respected professional. May his memory bring comfort to all who loved him.

The Wrobel Family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Tidewell Hospice in Lakewood Ranch. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s honor directly to Tidewell Hospice.