ROBERT GRAHAM KEESLER
1942-2010
Robert G. Keesler died on October 10, 2010 at age 68. Robert or "Bob" fought a long and courageous 17 year battle with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, a very rare form of cancer.
Robert was born on October 2, 1942 in Paterson, New Jersey. When Robert was six months old his parents moved to Aruba, Netherlands Antilles. He enjoyed growing up in Lago Colony and enjoying the beaches and bike riding all around the colony. Robert was in the class of 1960 until the family moved to Amuay Bay and Maracaibo, Venezuela, where Robert learned to speak fluent Spanish.
After returning to the United States, Robert attended the University of Tampa and the University of South Florida where he graduated with a degree in Business Management in 1973. After graduation, he worked for Tampa Electric Company. He later worked for Southeast Bank, Barclays Bank and Diners Club. In later life, he worked for Consumer Credit Counseling Services in Miami. In his spare time, Bob was a member of the Tampa Jaycees, a coach for the Wellswood Little League and involved in fund raising for the McDonald Training Center for children with special needs. He also ran for the Florida State House of Representatives in the late 1980's and achieved 44% of the vote.
Robert was always interested in sports cars and car racing. He attended the races in Sebring, Florida for the last 20 years. He owned a Triumph and several Nissan sports cars. He enjoyed life and loved to eat in the best restaurants. Robert also loved cruises, he went on several cruises per year. He covered the entire Caribbean, Panama and the Hawaiian Islands. He and his wife Mary went on 17 cruises together.
Robert is survived by his wife of 20 years Mary Keesler who resides in Dunedin, Florida, his daughter Gerene Keesler of Tampa, Florida, his son Robert Keesler, Jr. of Tampa, a step daughter Lorilee Bell of Tampa, Florida and his brother Gene B. Keesler of St. Petersburg, Florida. He also is survived by four grand-children Brittany, Caitlyn and Corey Keesler of Tampa and Haylee Graham of Tampa, Florida and cousins Kathy 'KK' Kennedy Steinorth of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Matthew Kennedy of SpringHill, FL, Alice Lull of Southport, North Carolina, Randy Keesler of Washington, DC and Joe Lardino of Ocala, Florida and his great friend Joe Stephens of Lakeland, FL.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held for Robert at a date to be announced later. Condolences can be sent to his wife Mary at 250 Lyndhurst Street, Dunedin, FL 34698 or to his brother Gene at [email protected]