Robert "Bobby" Constantin Permane

Robert Constantin Permane “Bobby Permane”, age 93 of Bradenton, FL passed away October 24, 2017. He was born January 21, 1924 in Camden, NJ to Constantin Charles Permane and Florence Elizabeth Palfrey. Bobby is survived by his children, Robert (Betty), James (Susan), and Joy (Henry); his granddaughter, Erica (Geoff) Goetz; great grandchild, Gemma Goetz; and his life partner of 41 years, Laverne Barnhill. Bobby traveled the world as a child with his parents, who were theatrical performers. He had a love and talent with horses at an early age and went to work at the racetrack at age 16. Bobby eventually became a jockey, riding for Elizabeth Arden, Louis B. Mayer (Co-founder of MGM Studios), Harry James and Betty Grable, and Mickey Rooney stables to name a few. His apprentice year, he set world records that still stand today, having 15 wins in 3 days and 19 in 4 days at Tropical Park in Coral Gables, FL. Bobby rode Knockdown in the 1946 Kentucky Derby and achieved his greatest success riding Stymie and winning nearly 1 million in stakes in 1947. He suffered a serious racing fall and was transported to Physicians Hospital in Jackson Heights, Queens, where during his recovery, he met and fell in love with his nurse, Mary Haggerty, who became his wife for 24 years. They moved to Manatee County and built Carlyn Estates Trailer Park and a home where they began to raise a family. He and Mary divorced and he spent the remaining years with his life partner, Laverne Barnhill. They traveled extensively and enjoyed many years of camping, dancing and traveling together. Bobby was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge. A service for Bobby will take place on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 1pm at Manasota Memorial Park and Funeral Home in the East Atrium; 1221 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34203- (941) 755-2688. A gathering will follow immediately after at Manatee Baptist Church in the Fellowship Hall; 1501 7th Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34208- (941) 729-9400. If desired, in lieu of flowers donations can be made in Memory of Robert C. Permane to Manatee County Humane Society.