Robert J. Stelzer

Robert Joseph Stelzer, age 86, died peacefully at home in Palm Beach Gardens on January 11, 2025 at age 86, surrounded by immediate family. The family patriarch – “Stelz” or “Bobby” to many – lived a life characterized by an interior grit and resilience. To many, he will be remembered for his prevailing sociability and natural penchant for playfulness and charisma. No one was spared from the quick-witted banter. To all in his wake - from his close family and friends to his day-to-day interactions - Bob offered people the experience of being appreciated and seen. Bob Stelzer was born on Feb 20, 1938 in Brooklyn, NY, the second child of Molly (Levitan) and Irving Stelzer. At age 11, Bob underwent a conversion from stickball to basketball when the family moved to Rockville Centre on Long Island.

The foundational incident informing much of his life was the sudden loss at age 12 of his venerated father, Irving. The collateral family stressors and personal struggle served as a driver to his ambition for family stability and professional achievement. Throughout life he has remained very sensitive and identified with the hardship and tragedy of others. Bob met Elaine (Spitzer) at Ohio State University and married in 1960. Family was the center of Bob’s life (when not on the golf course or watching Ohio State football). He is survived by his children Marc Stelzer (Brenda) and Bonnie Stelzer (Jonathan Abady). He was predeceased by his cherished youngest son, Eric, in 1994. Growing up in Bob Stelzer’s household, offspring were required to take golf lessons and recite the Buckeye Battle Cry on Football Saturdays. In his early married years, Bob came up through the furniture industry in New York. In 1970, he moved with his family including 3 young children to Toledo, OH for a business opportunity. There they built a strong community of many true, lifelong friends. Bob was active in the Toledo Jewish Federation and was President of Glengarry Country Club.

In 1980 he co-founded Great Lakes Window Corporation following years in the industrial chemical industry in Toledo. From 1994, Bob lived full time in Jupiter, FL and Palm Beach Gardens. His first marriage to Elaine ended in divorce, as did his second marriage. Bob adored and was immensely proud of his 5 grandchildren who revered “Gramps” as their hero: Jonas and Eliza Abady; and Sydney, Autumn and Alex Stelzer. He is also survived by his brother, Arthur Stelzer. He outlived his devoted sister, Caryl Karpf, and nephew Richard Karpf. A graveside service was held on Monday at IG Star of David of the Palm Beaches. For those who wish to honor Bob’s memory, the family requests that contributions be made to Morse Life Hospice Palm Beach.