West Melbourne

Bob was born on August 16, 1929 in Mc Kees Rocks, Pennsylvania. He was raised by parents who immigrated from Austria to the U.S. Bob's first language was German and he later learned English in his early teens. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1948. Bob developed a strong work ethic growing up and later became a professional baker with Jenny Lee Bakery during the 1940's.

He joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War in 1951 and served until 1953. He married Ms. Virginia Delores DeCarlo of Laurel, Montana in 1954 and settled in East Patchogue, New York.

He followed his heart and ambition to fly and joined Trans World Airlines (TWA) in 1955 as a Flight Purser assigned to international travel routes. He was selected to serve on TWA's first 707 jet aircraft from New York to London in 1959. Bob's multi-lingual skills (German, Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Arabic) made him a valuable asset to TWA. His career was highlighted in 1966 when he was selected as a crew member for President Johnson's Pacific Peace Mission.

In 1971, he moved his family from New York to Melbourne, Florida where he continued his airline career and retired in 1984. His retirement was short lived as he continued his passion for baking, volunteering, and helping family and friends.

Bob's outgoing personality and warm charismatic smile enabled him to have many friends around the world. He had a passion for animals, music, entertaining, and baking. He enjoyed playing the accordion, harmonica and organ entertaining everyone with his polka music. He also played country songs and various hymns he learned throughout his travels. Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Pittsburgh Club. Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years Virginia, and six children: Anna Roberts, Robert A. (Laurie) Strini, Michael (Karen) Strini, Johnny Strini, Kathryn (Stephen) Toomey, Virginia (Ginny) M. (Douglas) Kirk and 12 grand children: Christina Roberts (Anna), Kevin Roberts (Anna); Robert Keith Strini (Robert A.), Tamara Strini Bischoff (Robert A.) (Lonny Bischoff); Matthew Strini (Michael), David Sims (Karen); Stephanie King (Kathryn), Michael Thomas King, PV2 U.S. Army (Kathryn), Jared R. Toomey (Stephen); Christian Kirk (Ginny), Reilly Kirk (Ginny); and 3 great grand children: Nya Bischoff (Tamara), Kelsee Bischoff (Tamara) and Nathan Bischoff (Lonny).

Bob was a parishioner of Ascension Catholic Church for over 34 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an Alzheimer's foundation, VA Voluntary Service or animal shelter.