Robert (Bob) Spahl

Robert (Bob) Spahl, of Leesburg, FL, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday October 14, 2023, at the age of 92. Robert was born on April 12, 1931 in Lodz, Poland to Gustav and Wanda Spahl. Robert and his younger brother Alex were separated from their mother (their father died prior to the war) and other relatives in Poland during World War II. Robert protected Alex and they survived the war as a young boys on their own for two years until they were reunited with their family and relocated to Rott, Germany. As a young adult, Robert became a tool and die apprentice in Nurenberg, Germany. He was offered an internship in the United States and immigrated from Germany to New York City, NY in 1955. Robert served in the US Army from October 1956 to October 1958 and served 2 more years in the reserves. During this time, he met his wife, Rosalie Gruber, at a German Club dance in White Plains, NY. They were married on November 7, 1959 in Yonkers, NY. They were married for 50 years prior to her passing in March 2010. In his professional life, he was a Master Tool & Die Mold Maker and worked for several companies in New York City prior to moving to Rochester, NY where he worked for Alliance Tool and Die and Eastman Kodak Company. He spent the majority of his career at Eastman Kodak where he progressed from a Tool & Die Mold Maker to a Supervisor, General Foreman, and design Engineering. He greatly enjoyed his thirty year career at Eastman Kodak and retired in 1991. In 1998 both Robert and Rosalie were proud to become United States Citizens. While living in Rochester, Robert belonged to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Reformation and the German American Society. In 2009, Robert and Rosalie moved to Leesburg, Fl to enjoy retirement. Robert was a devoted and loving husband, father, and Opa and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his daughters Angelika Wing (Duane Wing) of Dade City, Fl, Silvia Bouchard (Dave Bouchard) of Crownsville, MD, and his grandchildren Hannah Bouchard of Charlotte, NC, and Justin Bouchard of Crownsville, MD. He is also survived by nephews and nieces from NYC, Hallein, Austria, and Rott, Germany. He was preceded by his wife Rosalie Spahl and his daughter Bettina Voelk. Robert loved to travel even as a young child. He made it a priority to take vacations with his wife including taking cruises and multiple trips across the US, Caribbean and Europe. His favorite destinations were Mexico, Brazil, Hawaii, Germany, Austria, and Florida. He also enjoyed taking mini trips to Toronto, Canada, the Finger Lakes, and Pocono Mountains. Robert and Rosalie had an active social life and extensive German community friend group when they lived in Rochester, NY where they frequently hosted friends and family. Robert was also very handy and constantly kept himself busy with household projects. When he moved to Florida he set up a workshop in his garage and became the neighborhood “handyman”. He loved the challenge of new projects and was always eager to tackle new projects. Other favorite past times were reading, gardening, and spending time with family (especially the grandkids) Many thanks to his caregivers over the past several months including Visiting Angels, Vista Lake Assisted Living, and Vitas Healthcare / hospice care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, NY www.lollypop.org/donate A celebration of life will be held on November 10, 2023, 11:30 AM with reception from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM. It will be held at the Social Hall of the Legacy of Leesburg, 5400 Legacy Blvd, Leesburg, FL 34748. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.

Robert (Bob) Spahl

April 12, 1931 - October 14, 2023