Robert Francis Lecaroz Sr.'s Obituary
Robert Francis Lecaroz, Sr., (who was also known by many as “Jack” and “Bob”), 80, of Tampa, Florida, died on Monday, November 18, 2019.
Jack was born on July 19, 1939, in Malden, Massachusetts to Joseph (Gus) Edward Lecaroz and Anne Elizabeth Sullivan. He grew up in Malden and was proud to have been named MVP of his high school basketball team. He joined the United States Air Force in 1957 and served for four years. While he was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, he visited Clearwater Beach where he met his future wife. They were married, moved to Massachusetts, had two children, and lived near his parents for four years. While living in Massachusetts, “Jackie” was employed at the MTA as a diesel mechanic. After growing tired of the cold weather, the young family returned to Tampa and grew to include two more children. Jack started his career in Tampa as a Union Representative for Reynolds Metals eventually serving as President of the Union. He then worked for Aircraft Services at Tampa International Airport for more than 30 years before his retirement in 2014. Jack was a master carpenter with a sharp mind full of great ideas and ingenuity. He spent many hours in his garage working on his favorite hobby/invention, his “perpetual motion machine”. His true passion was building houses. He built and sold several houses and also built two custom homes in which his family lived. He was a very funny, quick-witted, loving father and the family of six enjoyed many adventurous vacations together which often included camping and long road trips with at least one week of every summer being spent at the beach all together. Jack loved boating and over the years owned several boats while living on the Hillsborough River. He also loved taking cruises and in April enjoyed a cruise to the Bahamas with his four children.
Robert is survived by his four children: Robert, Jr. (Davina), Lisa (Bob Carton), Jill Doyle (Matthew), Janis; and their Mother, Betty Jo; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Robert Johnston (Crystal), Ian Lecaroz, Ryan Johnston (Allison), Christian Doyle, Madison Doyle, Connor Doyle, Haylie Lecaroz, Olivia Castellano, Henry Johnston and Julia Johnston. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph (Doreen); one niece, Virginia Schneider (Quinn); and many cousins.
A private memorial service for his family is being held in his memory on November 21, 2019. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to AMVETS Post 4, 1014 Skipper Road, Tampa, FL 33613; or online at support.amvets.org (please specify “Post 4”). During his retirement, Robert made many friends and enjoyed the camaraderie of his local AMVETS club.
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