Robert "Bob" Dale Carran, (1937 - 2013), was born August 15, 1937 in Lakewood, Ohio. His parents moved to Florida when he was 3 months old, so he had always considered himself to be a true Floridian. He attended Saint Petersburg High School, then transferred to Northeast High School when the school was erected. Robert was in the first graduating class of Northeast High School. Robert enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 21, 1958, serving four years and studying at the University of Hawaii to become a teacher. He was discharged from the U.S.A.F. on August 9, 1961 and finished his final college year at the University of Florida. Bob was always proud to be a Gator. He began his first teaching job at Pinellas Park Junior High on August 26, 1962. Robert Carran met Maribeth Kulp on Halloween night 1963, and they married eight months later on June 19, 1964. Together they raised three daughters and one son. Robert taught at Pinellas Park Junior High School until June 8, 1983, then continued his teaching at Seminole Middle School from August 20, 1984 until retiring on June 7, 1996.
Upon retirement, Robert Carran joined the American Hibiscus Society Sunset Chapter. He became a board member and was Chairman of the Seed Bank. Bob sent hibiscus seeds around the world. He spent a lot of his time on his acre of land, crossbreeding hibiscus blooms, creating amazing new colors and varieties. Mr. Carran was even given a nickname of “Pollen Duster”. Bob's mellifluous voice can be heard on many of the hibiscus show videos.
Also upon retirement, Bob played for several softball teams. He had played softball when he was much younger and continued his pitching career as a part of the St. Petersburg Half Century Club. Notable were the Clearwater Reds team. He then joined the World Renowned St. Petersburg Three Quarter Century Club, better known as the Kids & Kubs. Robert Carran won over 400 softball games and was even recognized on local news channels for his accomplishment. He had a keen wit, a sharp sense of humor and a love for life.
Bob kept a positive attitude, even when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, at his time of retirement, in 1996. He received radiation treatments, which put him into remission for five years, and he never let his health slow him down. When his cancer returned, he underwent other procedures and once again, he staved off cancer for another five years. Recently, when his PSA levels increased, he chose to try chemotherapy, but the treatments weakened him. Bob was admitted into the hospital on Thursday, October 10, 2013. His health rapidly declined, and he passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 7:12 AM.
Robert “Bob” Carran is survived by his wife of 49 years, Maribeth Carran, his three daughters; Debra Vanhaerents, Kimberly Carew and Christina Carran and his three granddaughters and two grandsons.
Visitation held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 21, 2013 at the funeral home. Funeral Services held 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at the funeral home.
Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street North, Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.
Written with love by his daughter Debra Vanhaerents
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