Robert “Bobby D” Deppner passed away on October 18, 2024, with the most gorgeous (no longer permed) head of hair. When his family had been advised to call hospice 6 years earlier, Bob whispered “I’ll prove them wrong.” With a long history of having the last laugh, he proceeded to do just that. Bob’s enthusiasm for life, and love for the people blessed to be a part of his, was unmatched.
Bob was born in Somerville, MA during World War II to Army soldier Fred and dance studio owner Stella. The documentation of Bob’s inspirational journey started early on – first when he appeared in the newspaper on his 5th birthday. He had survived swallowing a mixture of lye and acid 2 years prior and now, after a lengthy hospitalization, was attempting to eat small bites of cake at his party. Next, at 8 years old, Bob’s triumphant spirit led him to being recognized for his song and dance rendition of “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” in a children’s talent show.
At the age of 18, Bob joined the Marine Corps and broke the obstacle course record during boot camp at Parris Island. He also spent time in Okinawa, learned to speak a little Japanese (which impressed his children during hibachi dinners), and fell into a benjo ditch. Bob was proud to be a Marine and would get choked up any time he heard the hymn.
Bob’s service didn’t end after his honorable discharge. He was well-known for deeply and positively impacting the lives of others. He was a long-time member (55 years) of an organization which focuses on love and service. Bob always arrived early to set up and was the smiling face welcoming everyone. A friend quipped that Bob is probably fighting St. Peter for the role of door greeter right now. He called friends daily, new and old, to check on them. He started having to examine his list to see who might have passed away because his phone reached storage capacity for numbers. Bob also spent many holidays in service to veterans and others in need.
Bob met the love of his life Ilene in 1973 while “Benny and the Jets” played in the background. After surviving an interesting first date, Bob and Ilene fell and remained madly in love and were a powerful example of true partnership. “Benny and the Jets” and “You Get the Best of My Love,” were played when they renewed their vows, at Bob’s request, in 2023.
Bob adored children and started teaching his own to be of service, too. They were instructed to give up their seats on the train for those who needed them more and to share an umbrella with a stranger. He imparted words of wisdom like “if you worry pray…if you pray, why worry?” Sometimes his guidance about selflessness, forgiveness, and staying in today seemed to share a common theme (spoken in a Boston dialect): “Love em even when they are p*ssing on your feet.” “If you have one foot in yesterday and one foot in tomorrow, you p*ss all over today.” He enjoyed jumping out from behind doors (and out of a plane one time), as well as making his kids laugh with characters he created named “Laddie Bofah and Melissa.” Most importantly, he constantly reminded his children “I love you no matter what.” He was a confidant and mentor, and wasn’t afraid to cry or say “I’m sorry.”
Bob proudly retired from Polaroid after an over 20 year career, which was remarkable because he was only 29 years old that year, and every year. He was an elected labor representative and internal consultant who had a gift for uniting people. He used to bring his tools home from work (a flip-chart and markers). These were used so that major decisions could be made as a family. He truly valued everyone’s input.
Bob was a man of many talents and interests. In addition to being a showman, he learned to horseback ride during summers in Pennsylvania and was an overall animal whisperer. He loved to tell the story of how his family went from no pets to “a dog, 3 cats, a horse, and 8 hermit crabs.” He excelled in sports and later became a little league coach. He was an acrobat doing back tucks in the yard well into his 50s. Bob was also an avid golfer. When he began going blind, he painted his golf balls neon pink in order to see them better and, in his usual fashion, to bring levity to a dire situation.
A man of great style, Bob could be seen sporting a pair of New England Patriots silk boxers over his pants at Super Bowl parties for good luck. Tom Brady can thank Bobby D. for all of those rings!
Bob will always be remembered for being a jokester and busting cookies, his kindness, magical smile and laugh, selflessness, sense of humor, knack for telling an animated story, and humility. Without trying to be the center of attention, Bob’s charisma drew everyone in. He was truly one-of-a-kind and words will never adequately capture just how special he was.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife Ilene, loving sister Donna (Eddie), and adoring children Kevin (Jas), Steven, Jackie, and Ellen. He was a loving Papa to Julianna, Declan, Kamryn, Joseph, and Jameson. Bob loved his extended family and host of long-time friends from every walk of life.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the HPH Hospice Opal Team for the support and compassionate care they provided over the last 14 months in Bob’s home, as well as to our favorite non-hospice ARNP. We will never forget you.
A celebration of life in Bob’s honor will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, November 16th at Hope United Methodist Church at 2200 Little Rd, Trinity, FL. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please bring your favorite memory of Bob, and a dish, if you wish. Bob wouldn’t want you to be late – AIS (though the family would rather you arrive late than not at all).
In lieu of flowers or a donation, the family asks that you reach out your hand and let someone know that they “never have to be alone again,” the way that Bobby D. would.
Hope United Methodist Church
Elizabeth Longley
October 24, 2024, 10:38 am
Senator Deppner brought so much love, laughter, honesty, wisdom and acceptance to me and my children. All he met were better because of it. I will forever be grateful to have gotten the opportunity to trudge part of this journey next to him. So much love to your family who mean the world to me and will always be part of my heart. I would say rest in peace my dear friend but we all know that you are singing and dancing in the sunlight of the spirit and will be visiting us often to bring laughter and joy when we need it most.
Michael Regan
October 24, 2024, 1:12 pm
You fought the good fight;
You finished the race;
You won the crown.
Peace be with you.
Love you always,
Mike Regan
Jill Derry
October 24, 2024, 4:43 pm
I remember the first time I met Bobby . I didn’t quite know what to make of him . He was boisterous, but in a humble way . He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face . I didn’t want to like him … after all he was a patriot fan ! But I couldn’t help it . I listened to him speak of his experiences, I watched him work with others , and saw that he truly had a heart for service . I learned so much from him, he was a powerful powerful example . I have missed him these past few years, but Jackie always shared his picture and stories , just to let us know he was still Bobby D. Heaven has gained a very special man, who is no doubt already making waves .
Eugene Eugene & Bronwen Hairston
October 24, 2024, 5:16 pm
I moved to Dunedin a veteran only a 1&1/2 in recovery found the Sunday meeting, met at the door Bobby D. He was special, I could tell that right away, he welcome me to the group to the meeting, and I have looked for that smile of his every time I came thank you Bobby, for your words of wisdom, your laughter you may recovery, same loving, and kind. I will always remember you and I talk about you in my story, so well done rest now we will miss you Eugene/Tree
Kathleen Scales
October 24, 2024, 5:24 pm
Dearest Jackie although I did not have the privilege of knowing your Dad personally I feel I did know him through you. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family as I know he meant the world to you. How blessed you were to have such an awesome Dad. God be with you now.
Gabriel Apel
October 24, 2024, 6:37 pm
Bobby was an inspiration to so many people. I help guide me into a fellowship that became family to me. It will be an honor to share his legacy with others.
Linda Gonzales
October 24, 2024, 6:43 pm
Bobby was one of the kindest people I ever met. He always had a smile on his face. My late husband Matt G. was also a member of the same love and service organization that Bobby was. They became good friends. In 2003 a large group of us went on a cruise. Bob and Ilene sat at our table for dinner. Bobby’s antics never stopped. There was dancing during dinner, along with playing a practical joke on Jack and Patrick, two other guys in our group. The best was late at night when the four of us would go up to the Lido deck for coffee and ice cream and talk until the wee hours. We also went out to dinner many times with Bobby and Ilene. A good time was always had. Will always remember you fondly Bobby D., don’t give St.Peter too much grief. Tell Matt I love and miss him. ❤🙏❤
Kevin Deppner
October 24, 2024, 11:30 pm
Jackie that is a beautiful tribute to our Father❤
LISA MORETTI
October 25, 2024, 10:58 am
Dear Jackie,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Your face lit up every time you spoke of him…he sounds like such a great father and friend, I wish I’d had the opportunity to know him. My thoughts are with you, your family, and friends who loved him. May he rest peacefully ❤️
Laura Smith
October 25, 2024, 11:16 am
We shared a lot over many years. Thanks for the memories and we have some big shoes to fill. He’d want us to remember what we did well today.
Ellen Seto
October 25, 2024, 6:06 pm
What a gift Bobby D was to so many… you mention his name to a group of people in the fellowship and guaranteed someone says “Oh I know Bobby D “ and proceed to share their wonderful experience with your Dad , Jackie
His antics and love will live on with so many of us forever. He will be missed.. 💕🙏💕🙏💕🙏
Isabel and Luis
October 26, 2024, 12:41 am
I haven’t seen Bobby D in a long time, but I will never forget him. We both loved Boston and we would talk a lot about our fond memories of living up north. Great human being, just warm and caring and always laughing. So sorry to his daughter Jackie for your loss, I’ve been to a few of your shows your dad would always tell me about them and invite me to go. I had a lot of fun. My condolences to the
family.
Love, Isabel and Luis
Carla Reiniger
October 26, 2024, 12:15 pm
Sunday morning. Mease, Dunedin. Bobby D. Always smiling! Have always had a soft spot in my heart for Bobby D.
To Jackie and his family, I’m sorry for your loss. Each of you carry a part of your father. When you help others, you’re also passing on his generosity.
Prayers and love.
Jane Frazier
October 26, 2024, 4:39 pm
He was a great man – always showed up and made others welcome. He left an enormous legacy to carry on his journey.
Rose Wilson
October 27, 2024, 4:14 pm
Bobby and I knew some of the same people in Massachusetts some 40 years ago, but I didn’t know him until I met him here in Clearwater. This photo so perfectly represents the huge personality of the guy I came to know, always with that joyful, ebullient smile and kind way of greeting everyone, whether he knew them or not. When you saw him across the room, you always knew you were going to be welcomed, made to feel important — and you were going to laugh and feel good about yourself. Bob had quite a gift, that I aspire toward, and that I can never forget. To Jackie and your family, my deep condolences and recognition of this unimaginable loss. Heaven is surely partying at the homecoming of our angel.
Julie Swartz Fagnant
October 27, 2024, 4:44 pm
Bobby was a good, kind man who always had a smile and helpful hand. I was happy to get to know him beyond family when he assisted in my getting an internship at Polaroid. Seeing how admired he was by his colleagues was impressive. Hoping his journey to spirit is peaceful and sending light and love to family.
Tara Jean Lucas
October 27, 2024, 9:36 pm
Thank you Bobby D for being there when I arrived! Thank you for your spirit, your smiles, and the laughs. Thank you for partying at Perkins with us! Thank you for sharing your family with us. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your true self with us all. You will remain in our hearts forever my friend ❤️
Eileen M Christopher
October 28, 2024, 2:25 pm
Bobby D. You touched my life, my children’s life & their dad Allen’s too. You came into my life at one of my most difficult times. You welcomed me into your family and filled us with Love and Hope. You picked me up for a meeting weekly and brought Ellen to watch my kids Jamie 3 and Danielle 1yrs old. I was very greatfull to you for the help you gave me, my kids and even tried to help Allen get sober! I Loved going to your home in countryside to spend Holidays with such a Loving family with Ilene. You have always been a special angel in my life along with the rest of your family. You even got us backstage passes to see Jackie as Elmo of Sesame Street Live!!
I could never thank you enough for all you have done!! I will miss you but know you are in a Blessed, Peace filled place making all laugh & Love.
Respectfully, Eileen Christopher
Marlene Krauthamer
October 30, 2024, 10:49 am
My dear niece, so sorry for the loss of your,amazing, loving and kind father .What a wonderful love story Bobby and Ilene shared,what a Blessing. I will love all of you forever. Love, Aunty Marlene ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏 Scott and Jamie will welcome Uncle Bobby
Mike Moraites
November 15, 2024, 9:01 am
My deepest sympathies to your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Bobby was an amazing man he literally saved my life. I met Bobby when I was just 23 years old and had lost my way in life. He took me under his wing and said follow me. Bobby always had a smile and laugh to share and brought light and joy to so many people. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know him. Even though life had taken me in different direction I always have fond memories of Bobby and recall many of our shared experiences. He will live in my heart forever ❤️ Mike