Deceased Classmates
Those classmates who have passed away helped define the unique character of our class. This page is dedicated to the memory of each of them.
We have tried to provide a complete listing of those classmates who have passed away. In many cases, we have the dates of their deaths. In some, we have been fortunate to obtain their printed obituaries. In others, we only know that sadly, they are no longer with us.
The editors welcome additional information about any of our deceased classmates. We will try and keep this listing as current and as accurate as possible. We invite you to help us with this difficult task. Posthumous tributes are always appropriate.
We have tried to provide a complete listing of those classmates who have passed away. In many cases, we have the dates of their deaths. In some, we have been fortunate to obtain their printed obituaries. In others, we only know that sadly, they are no longer with us.
The editors welcome additional information about any of our deceased classmates. We will try and keep this listing as current and as accurate as possible. We invite you to help us with this difficult task. Posthumous tributes are always appropriate.
Elizabeth Ann Woodruff (Atwood)
Birth Date:
1942-11-03
Deceased Date:
2019-03-27
Obituary:
It is with sorrow that we announce that Ann Atwood Woodruff passed away on March 27, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.
Her brother, Richard, advised us that the family will be gathering soon to discuss memorial plans in Ann's memory. He would appreciate hearing from Ann's high school friends who might want to share memories of their high school years with Ann. You may post your expressions on our Class of 1960 Facebook page. We'll relay these to him.
After graduating from Cornell University, Ann taught French at the Westminister School, in Atlanta, Georgia. Before marrying, and moving to Berkeley, Caifornia, Ann also worked for the Rockefeller Foundation, in New York City.
Ann is survived by her brother Richard, sister Phoebe and children Will Rollins and Hadley Woodruff. Our condolences go out to her family during this difficult time.
We will update this site as further details become available
It is with sorrow that we announce that Ann Atwood Woodruff passed away on March 27, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.
Her brother, Richard, advised us that the family will be gathering soon to discuss memorial plans in Ann's memory. He would appreciate hearing from Ann's high school friends who might want to share memories of their high school years with Ann. You may post your expressions on our Class of 1960 Facebook page. We'll relay these to him.
After graduating from Cornell University, Ann taught French at the Westminister School, in Atlanta, Georgia. Before marrying, and moving to Berkeley, Caifornia, Ann also worked for the Rockefeller Foundation, in New York City.
Ann is survived by her brother Richard, sister Phoebe and children Will Rollins and Hadley Woodruff. Our condolences go out to her family during this difficult time.
We will update this site as further details become available
There are currently no tributes.
Ralph Ballweg
Birth Date:
1942-05-27
Deceased Date:
1993-04-22
Obituary:
Sylvia Root Cacciotti
- December 29th, 2010
Taken from the Class of 1960's scrapbook held by Sylvia Root Cacciotti:In Memorium:
Ralph Ballweg, Supervising Nuclear Medicine Technologist, passed away on April 22, 1993, after seving 20 years with Tompkins Community Hospital. He will be missed by all.
Pat Newman Mena
- May 11th, 2010
Ralph was a true friend who always had time to study Chem and make up labs. He sat patiently in a corner and read to me while I was isolated with hepatitis in 6/60. I saw him last when he baked my wedding cake. Good-bye Ralph. You were a class act.
Roland Barnett
Birth Date:
1942-04-18
Deceased Date:
2022-03-29
Obituary:
Obituary
Roland Charles Barnett, born in Ithaca, NY, April 18, 1942, passed away peacefully after a brief illness, with family members by his side, on March 29, 2022 in Jacksonville, FL.
Rollie, as he was known to his friends and family, was a beloved husband to Roberta (Morrow) Barnett, as well as father, grandfather and great-grandfather to a family that made him incredibly proud. Rollie made life-long friends wherever he went, including his service in the United States Navy, where he achieved the rank of E4 as a Seabee in the early 1960’s. He was a past Master King Hiram Lodge #784, Newfield NY, and a member of Balbec Grotto, a lifetime member of VFW Post #961, a member of American Legion #221.
Rollie was known in Ithaca for three decades as a master auto mechanic at Barnett’s Blue Sunoco Service Station on State St., a business started by his father, Ted. He was known for his kind-hearted and generous ways at the Service Station as he would go the extra mile to help anyone in need, even those without the funds to pay at the time. After that, he became a consistently high-performing salesman for Royal Motors, Zikakis Imports and Chevrolet and Cutting Motors. Rollie’s word was trusted by his customers and business partners and his loyal clients who followed him to each dealership were incredibly appreciative of his straight-forward approach and honesty, always delivered with a firm handshake.
To know Rollie was to know he loved vintage cars. He could easily recite the model and make of every car he and his friends had driven and tell you the details of each one. He loved NASCAR, watching baseball and football, and for many years of his life, a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon. If you were driving the roads of Danby after work or on Sundays, there was a good chance you would cross paths with Rollie on one of his ritual rides through the hills around his home in his 1985 Chevy pick-up truck, red with dual exhausts.
Friends were always impressed by Rollie’s incredible memory and his ability to tell stories that brought laughter and perspective. He stayed in touch with his many friends from the military and his career, as well as business associates and brotherhoods, until his final weeks of life.
Rollie is survived by wife Roberta, (“Bertie”), children Nora Jordan, Brian (Katie) and Loren (Nichole); Kim Smith (Mitch Arthur), Tammy (Bob) Hart and grandchildren Casey, Megan and Elijah; Bryce and Evan; Weston, Mckenna and Breana; Catherine (Thomas) Hancock, Samantha (Darren) Jenkins and Taelor Hart (Jeremy) as well as three great grandchildren, Easton Barnett, Azrael Hart and Maverick Jenkins, as well as sister-in-law Carol Barnett; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Ted and Ermie, and his brother, Donald (Carol). A celebration of life will be held in Ithaca this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to VFW Post 961 or American Legion Post 221 in Rollie’s name.
Obituary
Roland Charles Barnett, born in Ithaca, NY, April 18, 1942, passed away peacefully after a brief illness, with family members by his side, on March 29, 2022 in Jacksonville, FL.
Rollie, as he was known to his friends and family, was a beloved husband to Roberta (Morrow) Barnett, as well as father, grandfather and great-grandfather to a family that made him incredibly proud. Rollie made life-long friends wherever he went, including his service in the United States Navy, where he achieved the rank of E4 as a Seabee in the early 1960’s. He was a past Master King Hiram Lodge #784, Newfield NY, and a member of Balbec Grotto, a lifetime member of VFW Post #961, a member of American Legion #221.
Rollie was known in Ithaca for three decades as a master auto mechanic at Barnett’s Blue Sunoco Service Station on State St., a business started by his father, Ted. He was known for his kind-hearted and generous ways at the Service Station as he would go the extra mile to help anyone in need, even those without the funds to pay at the time. After that, he became a consistently high-performing salesman for Royal Motors, Zikakis Imports and Chevrolet and Cutting Motors. Rollie’s word was trusted by his customers and business partners and his loyal clients who followed him to each dealership were incredibly appreciative of his straight-forward approach and honesty, always delivered with a firm handshake.
To know Rollie was to know he loved vintage cars. He could easily recite the model and make of every car he and his friends had driven and tell you the details of each one. He loved NASCAR, watching baseball and football, and for many years of his life, a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon. If you were driving the roads of Danby after work or on Sundays, there was a good chance you would cross paths with Rollie on one of his ritual rides through the hills around his home in his 1985 Chevy pick-up truck, red with dual exhausts.
Friends were always impressed by Rollie’s incredible memory and his ability to tell stories that brought laughter and perspective. He stayed in touch with his many friends from the military and his career, as well as business associates and brotherhoods, until his final weeks of life.
Rollie is survived by wife Roberta, (“Bertie”), children Nora Jordan, Brian (Katie) and Loren (Nichole); Kim Smith (Mitch Arthur), Tammy (Bob) Hart and grandchildren Casey, Megan and Elijah; Bryce and Evan; Weston, Mckenna and Breana; Catherine (Thomas) Hancock, Samantha (Darren) Jenkins and Taelor Hart (Jeremy) as well as three great grandchildren, Easton Barnett, Azrael Hart and Maverick Jenkins, as well as sister-in-law Carol Barnett; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Ted and Ermie, and his brother, Donald (Carol). A celebration of life will be held in Ithaca this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to VFW Post 961 or American Legion Post 221 in Rollie’s name.
There are currently no tributes.
Carole Bartley (Barrus)
Birth Date:
2023-09-18
Deceased Date:
2014-12-29
Obituary:
Carole B. Bartley, 72, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Monday, December 29, 2014 at the Teresian House after a battle with Alzheimer's disease. She formerly lived in Altamont, Bolton Landing, and Fort Lauderdale. Born in Ithaca, she was the daughter of the late Barbara Barrus and was raised by her beloved aunt and uncle, the late Beatrice and Charles Weaver, who treated her as their daughter. Carole graduated from the University at Albany and Russell Sage College. She taught English in Albany City Schools for over 25 years prior to her retirement in 1997. Following her retirement, Carole volunteered at Albany Medical Center for 15 years in various roles, but she found great joy in helping families and the babies in the neonatal unit. She also enjoyed her summers in Bolton Landing, winters in Ft. Lauderdale, caring for her grandchildren, gardening, reading and travel. More than anything, she loved time spent having fun and laughing with her friends and family. Survivors include her husband of over 51 years, Edward J. Bartley, III; her daughters, Kathleen L. Bartley and Elaine H. Bartley (Eric Luper); her grandchildren, Ethan E. and Lily Luper, whom she absolutely adored; several cousins and many very dear friends. The family would like to thank the staff of Carmel Gardens at the Teresian House for their compassionate care of Carole. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2015 in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the funeral home, Friday, January 2, 2015, from 4-7 p.m. She will be interred at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Carole may make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association of NENY at 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Washington Ave. Ext. Albany, NY 12205-5515. To sign the online condolence book, please visit danielkeenan funeralhome.com.
Carole B. Bartley, 72, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Monday, December 29, 2014 at the Teresian House after a battle with Alzheimer's disease. She formerly lived in Altamont, Bolton Landing, and Fort Lauderdale. Born in Ithaca, she was the daughter of the late Barbara Barrus and was raised by her beloved aunt and uncle, the late Beatrice and Charles Weaver, who treated her as their daughter. Carole graduated from the University at Albany and Russell Sage College. She taught English in Albany City Schools for over 25 years prior to her retirement in 1997. Following her retirement, Carole volunteered at Albany Medical Center for 15 years in various roles, but she found great joy in helping families and the babies in the neonatal unit. She also enjoyed her summers in Bolton Landing, winters in Ft. Lauderdale, caring for her grandchildren, gardening, reading and travel. More than anything, she loved time spent having fun and laughing with her friends and family. Survivors include her husband of over 51 years, Edward J. Bartley, III; her daughters, Kathleen L. Bartley and Elaine H. Bartley (Eric Luper); her grandchildren, Ethan E. and Lily Luper, whom she absolutely adored; several cousins and many very dear friends. The family would like to thank the staff of Carmel Gardens at the Teresian House for their compassionate care of Carole. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2015 in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the funeral home, Friday, January 2, 2015, from 4-7 p.m. She will be interred at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Carole may make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association of NENY at 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Washington Ave. Ext. Albany, NY 12205-5515. To sign the online condolence book, please visit danielkeenan funeralhome.com.
There are currently no tributes.
(Linda) Deborah Keefe (Bauer)
Birth Date:
1942-10-27
Deceased Date:
2016-09-09
Obituary:
Linda "Debby" Bauer Keefe, 73, of Berkeley passed away at her home in Berkeley on Tuesday, September 6. Debby was born to Simon H. and Miriam L. (Rosoff) Bauer on October 27, 1942, in Ithaca, New York. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, David E. Keefe of Berkeley; one son Aidan B. (Sachiko Uno) Keefe of Santa Clara, CA.; two grandchildren, Eryssa "Ery" and Kohshiro "Koh"; two brothers Frederick (Laura) Bauer of Petaluma, CA, and Ross (Elizabeth) Bauer of Kensington, CA; and two nephews, Nicholas Bauer of Washington, D.C., and Isaac Bauer of Kensington, CA.
Debby died from a melanoma on her liver, after having fought Parkinson's disease for 23 years. In her career, Debby worked for 15 years in survey research at UC Berkeley and at the Prevention Research Center. Her smile left everyone at ease and made her a great interviewer and supervisor. She was bold and beautiful. Her passion was to help the downtrodden. A local remembrance of Debby was held on September 25 for 30 friends from Kentucky Avenue. She was a proud member of the Kentucky Avenue Book Club. For out-of-towners, another remembrance will be held on Saturday, October 29, at 2:00pm at 24 Kerr Ave., Kingston, CA., RSVP dkeith@pacific.edu. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Smithsonian Institution NMAAHC, Washington, D.C. 20090-6832, or to NAACP, Baltimore, MD 21264-4983, or to Southern Poverty Law Center, Montgomery, AL 36103-5632, or to your favorite charity . In the hearts of all those who loved you, Debby, you and your smile will always be there.
Published in Ithaca Journal from Oct. 22 to Oct. 25, 2016
Linda "Debby" Bauer Keefe, 73, of Berkeley passed away at her home in Berkeley on Tuesday, September 6. Debby was born to Simon H. and Miriam L. (Rosoff) Bauer on October 27, 1942, in Ithaca, New York. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, David E. Keefe of Berkeley; one son Aidan B. (Sachiko Uno) Keefe of Santa Clara, CA.; two grandchildren, Eryssa "Ery" and Kohshiro "Koh"; two brothers Frederick (Laura) Bauer of Petaluma, CA, and Ross (Elizabeth) Bauer of Kensington, CA; and two nephews, Nicholas Bauer of Washington, D.C., and Isaac Bauer of Kensington, CA.
Debby died from a melanoma on her liver, after having fought Parkinson's disease for 23 years. In her career, Debby worked for 15 years in survey research at UC Berkeley and at the Prevention Research Center. Her smile left everyone at ease and made her a great interviewer and supervisor. She was bold and beautiful. Her passion was to help the downtrodden. A local remembrance of Debby was held on September 25 for 30 friends from Kentucky Avenue. She was a proud member of the Kentucky Avenue Book Club. For out-of-towners, another remembrance will be held on Saturday, October 29, at 2:00pm at 24 Kerr Ave., Kingston, CA., RSVP dkeith@pacific.edu. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Smithsonian Institution NMAAHC, Washington, D.C. 20090-6832, or to NAACP, Baltimore, MD 21264-4983, or to Southern Poverty Law Center, Montgomery, AL 36103-5632, or to your favorite charity . In the hearts of all those who loved you, Debby, you and your smile will always be there.
Published in Ithaca Journal from Oct. 22 to Oct. 25, 2016
Phil Ewanicki
- April 23rd, 2021
We got to know Debbie better at Cornell, where she and my wife-to-be Jean Torrant and Debbie's husband-to-be Dave Keefe became good friends. Debbie was a wonderful, funny, wise, caring person.After C.U. graduation Debbie moved to California and Dave went to Vietnam.
Upon his return to the States"Keefer" looked up Debbie and they decided to take a holidayin Las Vegas. Keefer hit a slot machine and they made a spontaneous decision to get married - an enterprise which lasted over 50 years.
Debbie was a great friend and truly a wise, compassionate person.
James O. Beach
Birth Date:
1942-09-28
Deceased Date:
2005-12-09
Obituary:
Obituary
AUBURN, MAINE - James O. Beach, of 3 Par Four Drive, Auburn, Maine, formerly of Ithaca, NY, passed away after a long illness on December 9, 2005 at Central Maine Medical Center. He was born September 28, 1942 in Ithaca, NY. Jim retired from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company after a distinguished career of over 40 years. During his retirement, Jim was an active member of the Ithaca Radio Control Society and the Skystreakers of Maine. He was the son of the late Franklin R. BeachSr. and Ruth Beach Bacon, and a devoted husband, father, uncle and friend. While his family rejoices that he has reached his eternal home, they are saddened by his absence.
Jim is survived by his wife, Darlene Weiss Beach of Auburn, Maine; his son, Sean David Turner of New York, NY; two daughters, Penelope Sue Beachof Manorville, NY and Angela Beach Pemberton; a son-in-law, Brent Donald Pemberton of Albany, NY; two sisters, Shirley Beach Chapman of Ithaca, NY, and Jeanette Beach Knight; a brother-in-law, Richard Knight of Ithaca, NY; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Franklin R. BeachJr.; and brother-in-law, John Chapman.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 16, 2005, at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W. Green Street, Ithaca, NY, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 17, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Grove Bible Church, 1763 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethel Grove Bible Church, 1763 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850, or the American Cancer Society.
Obituary
AUBURN, MAINE - James O. Beach, of 3 Par Four Drive, Auburn, Maine, formerly of Ithaca, NY, passed away after a long illness on December 9, 2005 at Central Maine Medical Center. He was born September 28, 1942 in Ithaca, NY. Jim retired from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company after a distinguished career of over 40 years. During his retirement, Jim was an active member of the Ithaca Radio Control Society and the Skystreakers of Maine. He was the son of the late Franklin R. BeachSr. and Ruth Beach Bacon, and a devoted husband, father, uncle and friend. While his family rejoices that he has reached his eternal home, they are saddened by his absence.
Jim is survived by his wife, Darlene Weiss Beach of Auburn, Maine; his son, Sean David Turner of New York, NY; two daughters, Penelope Sue Beachof Manorville, NY and Angela Beach Pemberton; a son-in-law, Brent Donald Pemberton of Albany, NY; two sisters, Shirley Beach Chapman of Ithaca, NY, and Jeanette Beach Knight; a brother-in-law, Richard Knight of Ithaca, NY; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Franklin R. BeachJr.; and brother-in-law, John Chapman.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 16, 2005, at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W. Green Street, Ithaca, NY, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 17, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Grove Bible Church, 1763 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethel Grove Bible Church, 1763 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850, or the American Cancer Society.
Allan Simons
- October 9th, 2016
Jim and I were members of Boy Scout Troop 25 that met in the church at the foot of Cliff Street, whcih was eventually razed (along with the Westside Community Center) to relocate the Cayuga Lake inlet. At one point, when we were in the same small patrol (4 scouts), we participated in the annual council camporee competition over a weekend. Patrols were judged on everything from uniforms, to campsite setup, to campfire cooking, etc. Our "Beaver" patrol finished second among at least 100 patrols, as I recall. Great fun.
Beverly J. Shearer (Beyeler)
Birth Date:
1942-09-27
Deceased Date:
2006-04-21
Obituary:
Beverly J. Shearer, 63, formerly of Hanover, PA, died Friday, April 21, 2006 at Kennewstone Hospital, Marietta, Georgia. She was the wife of Paul Shearer. Born in Cortland, NY, on September 27, 1942, she was the daughter of Robert and Helen Teeter Beyeler. Survivors include her daughters, Cindy Adams and Shelly Ulrich; stepchildren, Scott Shearer and Michelle Fair; brothers-in-law, Clyde and Carl Shearer; 10 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her death was a daughter, Sherry McKaig. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 12 noon Thursday at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Baltimore Street, Hanover, PA.
Obituary from the Hanover, PA Evening Sun.
Beverly J. Shearer, 63, formerly of Hanover, PA, died Friday, April 21, 2006 at Kennewstone Hospital, Marietta, Georgia. She was the wife of Paul Shearer. Born in Cortland, NY, on September 27, 1942, she was the daughter of Robert and Helen Teeter Beyeler. Survivors include her daughters, Cindy Adams and Shelly Ulrich; stepchildren, Scott Shearer and Michelle Fair; brothers-in-law, Clyde and Carl Shearer; 10 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her death was a daughter, Sherry McKaig. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 12 noon Thursday at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Baltimore Street, Hanover, PA.
Obituary from the Hanover, PA Evening Sun.
There are currently no tributes.
Gwendolyn Boda
Birth Date:
1942-09-05
Deceased Date:
1977-03-01
Obituary:
jean riely
- November 20th, 2010
Wendy, you will allways be remembered. No one could forget a terrific friend like you. your are thought of with love. Ride those horss in the sky.
John D. Bodine
Birth Date:
1942-09-27
Deceased Date:
2002-06-30
Obituary:
John David Bodine, 59, died at his home Sunday, June 30, 2002. Mr. Bodine was a native of Ithaca, New York and lived in Jacksonville, FL for the past 11 years. He was predeceased by two sons, Stephen and Jonathan Bodine. Survivors include three daughters, Ashley Bodine, Jessica(Stephen) Baker and Jennifer (Jon) Haliniak; one daughter-in-law, Rebecca Brewer; four grandsons, Seth, Jesses, Joshua and Jake; two sisters, Sharon (Norman) Poludniak and Marjorie (Everett) Robinson; and one brother, Rodger (Cynthia)Bodine. A time of food and fellowship in his honor will be held Friday, July 5, at the pavillion in the Secret Cove development off Belfort Road.
Obituary appeared in the Florida Times Union (Jacksonville,FL)
John David Bodine, 59, died at his home Sunday, June 30, 2002. Mr. Bodine was a native of Ithaca, New York and lived in Jacksonville, FL for the past 11 years. He was predeceased by two sons, Stephen and Jonathan Bodine. Survivors include three daughters, Ashley Bodine, Jessica(Stephen) Baker and Jennifer (Jon) Haliniak; one daughter-in-law, Rebecca Brewer; four grandsons, Seth, Jesses, Joshua and Jake; two sisters, Sharon (Norman) Poludniak and Marjorie (Everett) Robinson; and one brother, Rodger (Cynthia)Bodine. A time of food and fellowship in his honor will be held Friday, July 5, at the pavillion in the Secret Cove development off Belfort Road.
Obituary appeared in the Florida Times Union (Jacksonville,FL)
Doug Burkhalter
- September 20th, 2012
John & I were best friends when I lived in Ithaca. I remember his family well. I spent many occassions visiting with John & his family at their residence on Coddington Road . We all attended Tabernacle Baptist Church in Ithaca. John & I graduated from IHS in 1960. I 'm sad that I never got a chance to see him again before his passing.
Robert Bretland
Graduation year:
1960
Deceased Date:
2022-12-30
Obituary:
Obituary of Robert Bruce Bretland, Jr
Robert Bruce Bretland Jr, of Largo, passed away on December 30, 2022 at St. Pete Living Center in Seminole FL, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Bob was born in Seattle, WA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Capt. Robert Bretland Sr USN and Bernice (Nolte) Bretland, and his first wife, Carolyn Sue (Suzie).
Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Joyce Soucy Bretland of Largo; daughter Elizabeth Bretland of Helena, MT; son Robert III, daughter-in-law Leah and granddaughter Makena, all of Everett, WA; and brothers Steven and Brian, both of Camano Island, WA.
Bob was a Vietnam Veteran, following his dad's example in the US Navy. He attended 17 different schools across the US, graduating high school in New York and college at Michigan State University with a Bachelor's Degree in business. Bob worked in finance and insurance until retirement in 2004. He moved to Florida in 2006, fulfilling a lifelong desire to relocate to Florida.
After retirement, Bob enjoyed traveling around the world with his wife, Joyce, and spending summers together at their cabin in Camano Island, WA. His father had built the cabin by hand, and Bob was particularly proud of this. He spent many summer vacations throughout his youth and young adult years at the cabin. While at the cabin, he loved zooming around Puget Sound in his well-used motorboat, and eating Dungeness crab he caught fresh from the waters off Camano Island. Bob loved to invite folks to his cabin for "crab feeds" where he would regale guests with his awesome skills in catching, preparing and serving fresh Dungeness crab.
Winters would take Bob and Joyce cross-country to Largo, FL, to bask in the sunshine, taking day trips to experience all that Florida had to offer.
Bob was a lover of classical music, often opening the roof of his Chrysler 300 to share his music with others. He was a loyal fan of Seattle, WA teams, the Seahawks and the Mariners, donning the appropriate attire for all of the games.
He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Obituary of Robert Bruce Bretland, Jr
Robert Bruce Bretland Jr, of Largo, passed away on December 30, 2022 at St. Pete Living Center in Seminole FL, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Bob was born in Seattle, WA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Capt. Robert Bretland Sr USN and Bernice (Nolte) Bretland, and his first wife, Carolyn Sue (Suzie).
Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Joyce Soucy Bretland of Largo; daughter Elizabeth Bretland of Helena, MT; son Robert III, daughter-in-law Leah and granddaughter Makena, all of Everett, WA; and brothers Steven and Brian, both of Camano Island, WA.
Bob was a Vietnam Veteran, following his dad's example in the US Navy. He attended 17 different schools across the US, graduating high school in New York and college at Michigan State University with a Bachelor's Degree in business. Bob worked in finance and insurance until retirement in 2004. He moved to Florida in 2006, fulfilling a lifelong desire to relocate to Florida.
After retirement, Bob enjoyed traveling around the world with his wife, Joyce, and spending summers together at their cabin in Camano Island, WA. His father had built the cabin by hand, and Bob was particularly proud of this. He spent many summer vacations throughout his youth and young adult years at the cabin. While at the cabin, he loved zooming around Puget Sound in his well-used motorboat, and eating Dungeness crab he caught fresh from the waters off Camano Island. Bob loved to invite folks to his cabin for "crab feeds" where he would regale guests with his awesome skills in catching, preparing and serving fresh Dungeness crab.
Winters would take Bob and Joyce cross-country to Largo, FL, to bask in the sunshine, taking day trips to experience all that Florida had to offer.
Bob was a lover of classical music, often opening the roof of his Chrysler 300 to share his music with others. He was a loyal fan of Seattle, WA teams, the Seahawks and the Mariners, donning the appropriate attire for all of the games.
He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
There are currently no tributes.