Robert "Bob" L. Richards' Obituary
Robert L. “Bob” Richards, 81, of Tavares, FL passed away on October 26, 2022. He was born November 11, 1940, in Fall River, MA. Bob, along with his wife, Nina, were business owners of Gator Inlet and Smiley’s Gator Pub in Tavares. He was a lifetime member of AMVETS and the VFW. Bob enjoyed traveling in their motorhome to visit family and friends, boating, singing, dancing, and woodworking. He also enjoyed racing and was a Dale Earnhardt fan. As a young man, he would go to the stock car races and the demolition derby. He liked bowling and even water skied.
Bob proudly served his country in the US Coast Guard. He later joined the US Air Force and served as a recruiter. Between his time serving, he worked for Biscayne Chemical as a salesman.
Bob was recently preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Nina, on October 7, 2022. He was also preceded by his parents Raymond and Lutie Shanahan; his sister, Beth Kloke and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, David Oakes, Mary Ellen Oakes, Phillip Berg, Debbie Lemmings. He is survived by children: Raymond Richards, Jennifer Lynn (Daniel) Cook, and Ralph L. (Lou Ann) Smith Jr; brothers-in-law, Lyle (Donna) Berg and Jack Kloke; sisters-in-law, Virgene (Andy) Koerner and Debbie Berg; 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at 11:00AM with a gathering of friends and family one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00AM at Steverson Hamlin and Hilbish Funeral Home in Tavares, FL. Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be held at AMVETS at 32201 AMVETS Way in Mt. Dora, FL. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Cornerstone Hospice or AMVETS. Online condolences can be left at on the tribute wall.
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