Joseph Edgar Robert

Joseph Edgar Robert of Florida passed peacefully in Gainesville on April 12th 2013 at Haven Hospice spending his last days in the company of his wife, children and grandchildren. He was born to Albert Robert and Almoza Driscoll on October 20th, 1932 in Woonsocket Rhode Island. He was raised speaking French and learned English by necessity and during his schooling. He attended Precious Blood primary school and graduated from Cumberland High school in 1951. His parents were first generation Americans by way of Canada. They were of modest means wit a strong work ethic and great admiration for the opportunities and gifts to be had in America. He has an older brother, Norman , with whom he was very close, currently living just a mile form his boyhood home in Cumberland Rhode Island. Joseph played baseball in high school and spoke fondly of winning a controversial championship game as a senior. He worked every day for his father in the garden or in the garage after school and took a job with Cott beverages before enlisting in the Air Force in 1952. He spent 4 years stationed at Westover Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1960. He married his beautiful wife, Lorriane Delores, of 59 years in 1953. After his discharge, Joseph completed air traffic controller training and relocated for a job to Miami Florida, moving to Opa Loka in 1957. Their first son Vernon was born in 1956 in Massachusetts.Their daughter Marie was born in1964 in Hialeah and son Joel, in Hialeah in 1966. He was an air traffic controller at Miami center for 28 years. Joe believed very strongly in the value of hard earned money and was a wonderful provider to his wife and family. He spent many weekends taking his family all over interesting places in Florida. He embraced Florida and taught his children a love and respect for it. He built a mountain home near Burnsville North Carolina in 1993 where he and his wife spent summers staying very active in the local community and the Catholic church. They made many life long friends and entertained family and friends for the many seasons they were fortunate to spend there. He moved his Florida residence to Lakeland in 1993 to be closer to family. He was forever dedicated to his children for whom he provided limitless support and guidance through tough times during his entire life. Joe was a devout catholic and was very active in the church and with the Knights of Columbus. Joe always spoke up for the less fortunate and was never afraid to point out injustice and try to make things right. Joe managed to travel to Europe, all over the US, including San Fransisco, Yosemite, Canada and the Caribbean. Most of all he loved being with his children and sharing everything he enjoyed with them. He took special pride in his 5 Grandchildren, Vernon Jr. Sierra, Jenee, Arden and Zack. There was not enough time in the day to spend with them. They are the ultimate prize for his lifelong efforts. We all hope to make him proud of us as we strive to carry on his best qualities. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 19, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 N.W. 43rd Ave. Consecration and Commital Services will be held at Lakeland Memorial Gardens, with Military Honors being rendered.

Joseph Edgar Robert

April 18, 2013