Robert “Capt Bob” K. Calhoun
Robert Kenneth Calhoun, 80, a permanent resident of Lee County, FL since 2013, formerly of Leesburg, NJ, passed away Thursday, February 8, 2018 in Fort Myers, FL. He was born January 8, 1938 in Moorestown, NJ to Edward and Ethel Calhoun, now deceased.
Robert was of the Baptist faith. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 for 45 years. Capt Bob was widely known as “The Legend of the Maurice River” while he owned and operated the Charter Boat Sandi Pearl for 33 years; running day and night fishing excursions in the Delaware Bay. Capt Bob never met a stranger. He was a true people person.
Robert served aboard the USS Gearing (DD-710) as a MM3 during the Korean War. He later served as the President of the Gearing Association for 12 years. Robert was a member of Clarksboro Lodge No.87 F. & A.M. and the Scottish Rite and the Crescent Shrine. He also was a member of Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 434 and American Legion Post 336.
Robert was so excited in his later years to be a member of the Mark Gibson Racing Team for car #59. He looked forward to traveling to new ARCA racetracks each and every weekend, doing whatever he could (mechanic, flagman, catch-can man, manning the jack) to help the team get into the winner’s circle. He loved racing!
He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Patricia Rose Calhoun (nee Bonner) of North Fort Myers; two loving children, Robert Kenneth Calhoun, Jr. (Kim) of Southampton, NJ and Lisa Anne Peer, also of Southampton, NJ; four brothers and sisters, John Calhoun of NJ, Alice Johnston of CA, William Calhoun (Susan) of NJ, Virginia Fairhurst (Richard) of NJ; nine grandchildren, Annie, Robert, III, Savanna, Jason, Taylor, Keith, Jr., Brandi, Jessica and Aleck; seven great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as Fluffy and Smokey, the cats.
Robert was preceded in death by two children, Edward James Calhoun and Keith Naylor Calhoun; as well as two siblings, James Calhoun and Arthur Calhoun.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the Hampton Lakes Fire Dept., 72 Holly Blvd., Southampton, NJ 08088. Please join family and friends for lunch from 11 am to 3 pm to honor Capt Bob for a life well lived.
Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.
Patty My wife just showed me this obit. Sorry for you loss. This is Al from the Philadelphia Shipyard gang we started with Bob and the Sandi Pearl about 1981. Captain Bob was a good man. In 1986 Memorial weekend we rescued two small boats and one fishermen. Out in the bay the fishing was always good it was the catching that was a little tricky. But with Captain Bob it was always an adventure. I had my wife and kids out with Bob. We all loved him. RIP Captain Bob Calhoun! May your winds be fair and your seas following!