Bob is survived by his wife, Lori, of 19 years; daughters, Katharine Merriam, Susan Roe, and Elizabeth (Louis Rich) Roe; stepsons, Bryan Benjamin, and Robert (Margot) Benjamin; granddaughter, Mary Austen (Casey) Roe-Fiore. He is preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Mary Wahlers Roe (1993).
Bob was born in Toledo, Ohio. After graduating high school Bob joined the U.S. Air Force, where he followed his fascination with all things mechanical by becoming an airplane mechanic, servicing planes during the Korean War. Stationed stateside while serving our country allowed Bob and his Air Force buddies the opportunity of driving all over the country, visiting 43 of the 48 contiguous states. Shortly after leaving the Air Force he joined IBM as a field engineer. Bob married Mary Whalers in 1958. Bob and Mary welcomed their first daughter, Katharine into their world, 9 months and 2 weeks after they married. Two more daughters, Susan and Elizabeth were born shortly thereafter. IBM took over his life, as an engineer Bob worked 24/7 to address critical computing issues at top customers in the Mid-West. Bob and his wife Mary relocated with IBM, first to Endicott, NY and then to Charlotte, NC. Bob and Mary moved to Tega Cay, SC in the early 1980’s. Living on the golf course, Bob and Mary shared the love of golf. Together they were active in various social clubs. During this time they became friends with Bob and Maureen Miller. Bob Miller had been the builder of the Roe’s home in Tega Cay and Maureen was a realtor.
Both Bob and his wife Mary developed cancer in the early 1980’s. Mary's twin sister, Katherine Pazder and her husband Robert, stepped up to assist the Roe daughters in caring for them both during this critical time. Mary and Bob were blessed with granddaughter, Mary Austen. Austen’s presence during those years was like a ray of sunshine in their life. Bob never forgot how wonderful and caring his brother-in-law Bob was to him.
Bob retired after a successful 37-year career, which included being a technical writer and managing teams in quality engineering. Bob retired from IBM.
Mary Roe passed away in 1993.
Shortly thereafter, Bob then returned to his passion for cars and driving, and began working with the various auto auction houses and car dealerships. There, he was like a kid in a candy shop, getting behind the wheel of all kinds of cars, from the ordinary to the exotic, and driving them all over the Southeast to their new owners. His hobbies included fixing anything and everything, working on cars and building things. Bob was an avid reader for pleasure and education, instilling a love of books in all of his children. He once bought a sailboat, though he had never sailed, and learned to sail from a book! After Mary’s passing, Maureen convinced Bob to take a free dance lesson at Arthur Murray. Little did anyone realize how much dance classes would change Bob's world.
While attending group dance lessons he met Lori Benjamin. Lori was shy, had two left feet, no rhythm and could not remember which was her left foot. Bob would often joke that it was pity that brought them together. A friendship developed. Lori’s sons, Bryan and Robert were in elementary school when she met Bob. Bob’s girls were adults, out living their own independent life. Bryan, Robert and Bob’s granddaughter, Mary Austen where close in age.
After 5 years of dating, Bob and Lori married. Bob was an amazing step-father to Bryan and Robert. Bob was always there for the boys. The boys learned a lot about life from Bob. The love and respect Bob had for their mother has made both these boys into the fine young men they have become. When Lori and Bob finally became empty nesters, Lori convinced Bob that they needed a dog. Mitzi-Roe the unruly Cockapoo who had three previous homes before she turned 2 years, took over their lives. She became Bob's constant companion.
Bob and Lori loved to travel and enjoyed cruising together. In his final years, he took great pleasure in quiet times at home with Lori, whom he adored.
The family would like to thank Dr. Naylor, Sanger Heart, for taking care of Bob. Under the care and guidance of Dr. Naylor, Bob’s life was extended, allowing him to see his daughter Liz to find love and happiness with Louis Rich; to meet Austen’s husband Casey; and to attend the wedding of Robert and Margot.
Bob will be laid to rest next to his wife Mary on August 19th. At his request, no public service will be held.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 19th, and Tuesday, August 20th, at his home in Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Caregiver Support Program, Mecklenburg County DDS- Revenue Collections, 301 Billingsley Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211 or to his daughter’s Animal Rescue, Fix Long Beach Pets, https://fixlongbeachpets.com/donate/
Please note that your donation is in memory of Bob Roe.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18