Robert William Archer

Robert William Archer, age 77, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, January 4, 2024.

Born February 17, 1946, in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, Robert later moved to St. Petersburg, Florida with his parents. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Vietnam as a radio operator. He received a commendation for serving in the Honor Guard for the 192^nd Anniversary of the Marine Corp in 1967.  He achieved the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged in 1970.  Following his service in the Marine Corps, he returned home to St. Petersburg where his father had a 1962 Corvette waiting for him. He was employed at the St. Petersburg Times as a press operator for a few years. He then became employed with the John H. Harland company. He worked there for over 25 years as a press operator and in management. During the latter years of his employment, he traveled the country providing training for the implementation of a new company-wide computer system.

His favorite places were in the southwest and he later traveled with friends on a few trips to Tucson, Arizona, the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Park. After retiring in 1995, Robert enjoyed numerous hobbies revolving around his love of history and automobiles. He was an avid model builder and had an extensive collection of military aircraft and vehicles, muscle cars and railroad models. He was a parishioner of St. Paul’s Catholic Church. He worked as a volunteer at the St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen and was a proud member of the Marine Corps League serving as a volunteer for various events.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Ella Archer, and a sister, Irene Pierson. He was survived by his nephew Gary Pierson (Susan) and a community of close friends whom he considered his family, his “nieces” Rose, Lindsay (Goddaughter) and Aimee Sinclair. His family and friends will remember time spent at parties, his love of a good joke, many hours playing board games, and his love of a good TV series.  He will be remembered for his extensive knowledge of history and his loyalty to the Marine Corps. Semper Fidelis!