Robert Joseph Karl Sr.

Born on June 2, 1939, Robert grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended the University of Florida, earning a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree in 1962. Later in his career, he returned to school and earned a Master of Business Administration from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, in 1984. He was also a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Robert spent his professional career in engineering and program management, much of it supporting the nation’s defense. He worked for Martin Marietta in Orlando, Florida, and Fairchild Industries in Germantown, Maryland, later part of Smiths Aerospace. While at Fairchild, his work included involvement with the F-14 Tomcat program as part of Fairchild’s support to Grumman.

A devoted Catholic, Robert was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Palm Bay, Florida. His faith was an important part of his life, and he served his parish and community through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Knights of Columbus, and the church choir. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 7408 and Fourth Degree Assembly 2932.

Robert was a lifelong sports fan, with particular loyalties to Baltimore and his alma mater. He followed the Orioles and the Baltimore Colts, and when professional football returned to Baltimore, he became a Ravens fan and, for a time, a season ticket holder. He was also an enthusiastic Florida Gators fan. He and his son, also a University of Florida graduate, spent many years watching Orioles, Ravens, and Gators games together.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, George John Karl, Jr. and Thelma Leah Karl (née Dill), and his granddaughter, Madeleine Elizabeth Karl.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Wilda Karl of Raleigh, North Carolina; his son, Robert Karl, Jr. of Raleigh; his stepdaughter, Mitzi Montemore of Chester, Maryland; his grandchildren, Robert Karl III of Raleigh, Joshua Montemore of Middletown, Maryland, and Amanda McMullen of Woodbine, Maryland; and his great-granddaughters, Savannah and Evelyn Montemore of Middletown, Maryland. He is also survived by his brother, George John Karl III of Casselberry, Florida, and his nephews, George Karl IV of Oviedo, Florida, and Matthew Karl of Jacksonville, Florida.

A graveside service and interment will be held at Raleigh Memorial Park on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Palm Bay, Florida, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Robert will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his Catholic faith, his service to his community, and a lifetime of accomplishment in his profession.

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