Robert J. Pearson's Obituary
Robert J Pearson, 77, of Palm Coast, FL passed away on January 23, 2023. He was born on May 17, 1945 in Stamford, CT to Lt. Robert W. and Ruth C. (nee Miller) Jensen. Bob never met his father, an Airforce pilot of a B-25 in the Pacific, as he was shot down during a mission in WWII 2 months before Bob was born. He was raised by his mother until the age of 5 when she remarried the Rev. John Pearson. They raised Bob and his brothers, Mark, Paul, David and Rick.
After graduating from Springfield College, Bob served as a pilot in the Air Force and was a veteran of the Viet Nam War. He met his wife, Nancy, at Springfield College and they were married on June 29, 1968. They had two girls, Kimberlee and Courtney.
Upon retirement from the Air Force, Bob became an Educator. He went on to receive his Masters Degree at Western Connecticut University and his 6th year in Administration at University of Southern California. He developed a passion for working with students, parents and coaches. Bob was Athletic Director in the New Milford, CT Public Schools for 30+ years. He and Nancy also directed a large summer camp for youth in Santa Cruz, CA for many years. Bob was honored to be selected as CT Athletic Director of the Year from the Coaches Assn. The following year the CT Athletic directors Assn. nominated him for the National Director of the Year where he was runner up. After retiring as an Educator, he and Nancy moved to Palm Coast, FL where he quickly became immersed in the local community by volunteering, playing golf, enjoying many new friends. Bob loved to give back to his community. In CT he was past president of his Rotary Club and a Deacon at church. In Florida, he was also a proud member of the Flagler Beach Rotary Club, where he brought its Flag Project to Ocean Hammock. He was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and served as a board member of Habitat for Humanity. His beloved wife, Nancy, passed away after a long, brave fight with breast cancer. During the years at Trinity, Nancy and Julie had become friends – Julie sang at her Memorial. After Nancy’s passing, Bob’s friendship with Julie flourished and they married November 25, 2017 on the beach near their home. They enjoyed so much together; singing in the choir, traveling to see friends, family, and this beautiful country that he loved so much.
Family meant so much to Bob. He loved his family, spending as much time as he could with them. He was most proud of being a good husband, devoted father, grandfather, brother, v friend to all, and to be given the opportunity to shape young lives through athletics. He enjoyed playing golf, singing, and just spending time with friends. Bob had a strong desire to see the world and this incredible country. He was a proud American. And he always had a ready smile and a good story to tell! Bob was loved by all who met him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Julie; his daughters, Kimberlee (Stewart) Van Horn and Courtney (Doug) Warner; stepdaughters Petra (Andres) Guzman and Christy (Nick) Lees; grandchildren Pearson (Jill) Van Horn, Taylor Van Horn, Nathan Warner, Brooklyn Warner, Isabel Guzman, Blair Lees and brothers David Pearson, and Rick (Tina) Pearson.
The memorial service to celebrate the life of Bob will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 155 Florida Park Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32137 on February 11 at 2:30pm. A live stream broadcast can be found at YouTube link, “ROBERT J PEARSON”, beginning at 2:20pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the following organizations that were dear to Bob’s heart- Habit for Humanity, the USO, or Rotary. Local options include:
Habitat for Humanity Palm Coast
P.O. Box 187
Bunnell, FL 32110
USO: www.uso.org/donate/donate-in-honor
Rotary Club of Flagler Beach
P.O. Box 2005
Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service of Bunnell, FL assisted the family with arrangements. www.HeritageFlagler.com
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