Robert (Bob) M. Smith, age 90, of New Port Richey, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2018, surrounded by loving family members. He was born and raised in Buffalo, New York where he and his wife of 67 years, Barbara J. Smith, raised their two sons, Robert and Darrell on Grand Island, a suburb of Buffalo. Bob attended Kenmore High School and subsequently graduated from the University of Buffalo.
Bob served in the United States Army ultimately achieving the rank of Corporal. He had a successful career as a specialty steel salesman in Buffalo and later in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bob served his community on several special committees for the development of Grand Island’s first high school and the island’s bridges. He also chaired a community fund effort. In the 1980’s, Bob and Barbara moved to the Tampa, Florida area where they enjoyed playing tennis as well as visiting with friends and family. He enjoyed church over the years (was a member of a number of them) and particularly liked the services at Palma Ceia Presbyterian in South Tampa in his later years. Bob and Barbara were inseparable and lived a wonderful life together. His love and admiration for his wife was evident to all who knew them. Bob also was very caring and loving to Barbara’s parents, George and Barbara Lisjak, who lived with them during the latter years of their lives.
Bob was a proud member of the Republican Party and a devout viewer of Fox News. He was also an avid sports fan who followed the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay Lightning, Rays and Buccaneers; however, his real loves were his family and his country. He was incredibly proud of his sons, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Some of his favorite times were attending his sons’ and grandkids’ sporting events and dance competitions (they did not miss many). He also loved just visiting with them and his sons’ wives. He believed they all could achieve what they set their minds to.
Bob was predeceased by two older brothers (Jack and Frank) and an older sister (Olive). His father, John Findlay Smith (who referred to Bob as “Wee Bobby”) came to the United States from Stonehaven, Scotland after fighting in the Boar War in South Africa with the Gordon Highlanders. He resided in Buffalo where he specialized in masonry work. His stone work is prominently displayed in the colored brick at the top of the City Hall building in Buffalo. Bob’s mother, Bessie Trenberth, originated from Redruth, Cornwall, England and met John Smith in 1906 while both were destined for the United States aboard an ocean liner, The New Yorker. Throughout his life, Bob was extremely proud of both his Scottish and English heritage and was able to visit both countries in the late 1990s. Bob leaves behind his two sons, Robert and Darrell, two daughter-in-laws, Helenor (wife of Robert) and Kelly (wife of Darrell), eight grandchildren, namely Margaret (Maggie) Marcinko (and husband Brian), Ian Smith (and wife Tomi Lynn), Robert (Tyler) Smith, Evan Smith, Kelsey Smith, Ashley Smith, Kyleigh Smith, and Addison Smith. He is also survived by three great grandchildren including Gibson Smith, Madelyn Marcinko, and Reagan Marcinko.
Bob (also lovingly known as Handsome Bob and Bobby Boy) had a great sense of humor and a true love of life. He will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know him. To celebrate his memory, a Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church on Friday, January 4th, with a reception immediately following in the church fellowship hall. A private family service at his graveside will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 6th.
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