Robert E. Wright, 93, of Tarpon Springs, December 30, 1932-July 9, 2026.

Bob was born to Frank and Mary Wright on December 30, 1932 in Pawtucket, RI.  Bob is preceded in death by his wife Shirley and beloved daughter Donna.  He is survived by daughters Christine Stevenson and Sharon Wright, both of Tarpon Springs.  Son James Wright and wife Kelli of Illinois.  5 grandchildren; Scott Stevenson, Jack, Shelby, Allie, and Max Wright.  And 1 Great Grandchild Basil Stevenson.

Bob met the love of his life, Shirley, at Pawtucket West High School.  After serving 3 years in the Navy and graduating from Bryant College Bob was hired by B&W Tobacco Company in 1957. This provided the opportunity to see the country from coast to coast.  He started his career in Upstate New York relocating throughout his career to Chicago, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, returning to Chicago for a 15 year stint in the Chicago suburb of Buffalo Grove.  In 1989 Bob and Shirley retired to Tarpon Springs, FL where he re-defined the life of a retiree.

There were just a few things that kept Bob busy during retirement, beginning with his service with the Knights of Columbus for 50 years. Sir Knight Bob was a 3rd Degree and a 4th Degree Knight.

Keeping active included participating in 2 bowling leagues and frequently golfing with his foursome. His daily swims consisted of 60 laps and were always followed by his yard work yielding crops of bananas, lemons, limes, and grapefruit.

He also chose to be active by working the tax season at H&R Block assisting others with their returns, and then starting a catering business with Shirley.  He dabbled in Real Estate, serving on 2 different homeowner association boards. Those in the know will remember Panther!

Of course there was always time for travel as vacations and cruises were a passion for Bob and Shirley. One of his other passions was music, being an avid listener of country music.  He also loved attending concerts always wondering who he might listen to next.

Then there were the parties. Oh, the parties.  There wasn’t a holiday that Bob thought didn’t warrant a party or a great outfit. He loved wearing his Christmas Suit for the holiday parties. Bob’s high holiday was, of course, his annual Super Bowl party which he hosted for 40 years. He always ensured a festive atmosphere, especially when his Patriots played, as he would be dressed in full minuteman regalia.

Having lived across the country, he also loved his Chicago Cubs and watching his 2 Tampa teams; The Rays and The Bucs.

If you’re still reading this you realize Bob lived by his philosophy of, “Do it now, life is not a dress rehearsal.”

A visitation will be held on Thursday July 16th 4pm – 6pm at Dobies Funeral home, 701E. Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689.  A funeral mass will be held on Friday July 17th at 11:30 am at St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church with burial to follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens.

Bean would not want attendees to be mournful. Please do not feel obligated to wear black attire! Wearing bright colors (like Bean wore) is welcomed. Let’s celebrate a life well lived!

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Suncoast Hospice who took great care of Bob. Checks can also be sent to Health Suncoast Hospice 5771 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, FL 32760. 586-4432