Mr. Robert "Bob" Barry Zeenberg's Obituary
Mr. Robert “Bob” Barry Zeenberg, 75, longtime resident of Gainesville, Florida, died Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at his home, following a brief illness.
Mr. Zeenberg, “Bob” as he was known to his friends, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 22, 1948, to the late Herman and Rissie Zeenberg. Shortly after high school, he joined the U. S. Army and served in the Vietnam War, where he received a Purple Heart. After returning home, he moved to South Florida and worked with horses while attending Broward College and then transferred to the University of Florida in Gainesville. Shortly after college, he helped open and was the general manager of Lillian’s Music Store. Bob later began a long career with the US Postal Service, originally working at the US Post Office Downtown. He retired after 38 years of service. He was a hard worker, working six days a week for almost his entire career.
Bob was a crazy Florida Gator fan, and an avid golfer, working as a ranger at Ironwood Golf Course for several years after his retirement. He was selfless with a big heart; a tireless little league baseball coach for his son and grandson, taken from us all much too soon.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Ernest & Wilma Robbins, a brother-in-law, Steve Dorfman, a sister-in-law, Marilyn Robbins Golden, a niece, Julie Brower Borsos and a nephew, Tim Brower.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca “Becki” Robbins Zeenberg; a daughter, Traci Zeenberg Graves, of Gainesville; one son, Daniel E. (Sarah) Zeenberg, of Dallas, TX; two sisters, Harriet L. Davis, of Philadelphia, PA, Judy (Steve) Dorfman, of Newark, DE; two sister-in-laws, Sandra Robbins Burrows and Ruth Robbins, of Gainesville, FL; four grandchildren, Dylan Zeenberg, Madison Delanie Graves, Tucker Zeenberg and Sawyer Zeenberg, along with forty-seven loving nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
All friends are invited to a time of celebrating Bob’s life on Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 1 to 3:00 P. M., in the Turkey Creek Golf Course Clubhouse, Creeks 19th. 11400 Turkey Creek Blvd, Alachua. The Zeenberg's would like to thank all of their dear family and friends for the abundance of emotional support and love that has been shown through this short journey. Anyone wishing to make donations in honor of his life may contribute to Haven Hospice, Gainesville, Florida, or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
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