Robert W Searles III's Obituary
Robert William Searles, III, 66, of Clearwater, FL passed away December 28, 2019. He was born in Philadelphia, PA to Robert,II and Margaret Searles January 2, 1953. He is survived by his wife Rose; children, Robert, Susann (Michael) Rackman, and their daughter Ellen and daughter, Amanda; siblings, Margaret Slavin (Tom), Debbie Streeper (Michael), John Wayne Searles. Besides his parents, Bob was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas “Moon” Searles.
Bob Searles was a loving, caring, hardworking man. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the oldest of five siblings. From a young age bob started playing baseball. He was the catcher for his grade school team Visitation Saints. He was the MVP of the team. Bob went to North Catholic High School for boys in Philadelphia where he played ball still. Bob graduated in 1970 and relocated to Florida. Bob attended and graduated from St. Petersburg Jr. College Clearwater, Florida. He was well respected Division I collegiate referee & umpire. Bob also was a member of the Philadelphia Phillies farm team. Bob continued to play baseball/softball into the late 50’s. Bob had a successful career in Finance. His last assignment was at Wells Fargo Bank, clearwater’s branch. He was the manager before retiring in 2013. Bob loved life but most of all he loved his wife Rose dearly. Bob always talked how concerned he was for Rose having to be his caretaker more and more. Bob very much enjoyed his visits by his neighbor, Kevin. Kevin would spend hours watching sports with Bob while Rose was at work. Kevin would also help with Bobs care when needed. Bob had wonderful faith in Jesus and was grateful for his visits with Barbara and Fr. Jack Marino. They would bring him communion and pray with him after Bob became bed bound. Fr. Jack would always speak of how Bob & Rose’s relationship was a great testament to what love really was. Bob was a role model all his life . He was never the type to get mad over his sickness. For several years, Bob continued to decline. He would tell Barbara how he missed playing ball, but he never showed anger. He was very much aware & believed that God had a plan for his life. Bob would frequently tell Barbara how grateful he was that God had sent him his wife Rose , the true love of his life. Bob will be sadly missed by many. Bob treasured all of his family & friends. One of his favorite topics was his granddaughter Ellen. He loved taking about her, and how proud he was of her. He also believed she was becoming a very good ice skater. Bobs wishes for all his family and friends was to continue life with God and family. “Someday we will all meet together again in heaven.”
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