ENGLEWOOD: Beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. Bob was a humble man who passed away on November 24, 2021, at the age of 79. He was a true example of grace, gratitude and common sense.
He was born in Philadelphia, PA to Robert and Dorothy Schilp. His family moved to Miami for his elementary school years and then to Atlanta with his father’s job with Prudential Insurance Co. After graduating Southwest HS in Cascade Heights GA, Bob immediately enlisted in the Air Force from 1960-1964 stationed in Sweetwater, TX serving in the Military Police on what was a radar facility. After returning to the family home in Tampa FL, Bob joined The Prudential Insurance Company where he established a successful career in the sales and marketing of life insurance products.
In 1967, Bob married JoAnn Blewitt whom he had met through his sister Sue. JoAnn and Sue were roommates in Miami while working for Eastern Airlines. The transition to married life took off in earnest quickly, as the first of five children, Bobby was born in December to be followed by David, Kathleen, Christine and Michael.
Bob’s promotion to Sales Manager with Prudential took the family to Jacksonville, followed by another promotion to District Manager in Cincinnati. In 1985, Bob accepted the District Manager role in sunny Sarasota where he had the offices of Bradenton, Sarasota, Pt. Charlotte, Cape Coral, Ft. Myers and Naples under the Sarasota District umbrella. The family moved to Englewood and found the perfect spot on Manasota Key which continues to be home, although, the children now have homes and families of their own comprising 13 grandchildren in 5 states.
In 1987, Bob led the Sarasota District Agency to win the Prudential President’s Trophy, which recognizes the district with the top worldwide sales and service to policyholders. He was promoted to Regional Vice President in 1991 where he stayed until being offered early retirement in 1995. Retirement agreed with him and he felt fortunate and grateful to have enjoyed it for a good but never long enough time.
Bob loved his family dearly. He will be greatly missed by family and friends for his generous spirit and gentle nature. Bob had a way of making anyone feel comfortable and many people will remember his warm smile and genuine hello and “how ya doing”.
Bob is survived by JoAnn; his sisters Bonnie Van Allen (Ted Harless), Maralee Schilp, Kim Hatfield (Gary), sons daughters and grandchildren, Bob (Jenny Petts) Emma, Grace, Robert, James, Joseph; David (Corell Hebert) Andrea, David; Kathleen Schilp Bernhardt, Eva, Marisa; Christine Schilp Mills (Ryan) Althea, Cecelia; Michael, Jordan, Violet. Bob is predeceased by his sister Sue Spivey.
Services for Bob will be held at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Englewood, Florida on Monday, December 20, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to: Food for the Poor, Doctors without Borders, Tidewell Hospice or charity of your choice.
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