Robert “Rob” Jules Lerner

February 3, 1959 - July 29, 2020

Robert “Rob” Jules Lerner, age 61, passed away peacefully in Cape Coral, Florida on Wednesday, July 29, 2020.  

Robert was born on February 3, 1959 in Brooklyn, New York to Robert and Nancy. He studied Agricultural Science at Rutgers University, earning an associate degree, then becoming the youngest golf course superintendent in the U.S. with American Golf Corporation, setting the gold standard for courses around the nation.

He had a strong entrepreneurial spirit, opening an agricultural chemical business for farms in Florida, building relationships and learning conversational Spanish. He later became a licensed HVAC contractor for 20 years by starting Direct Heating and Cooling in Cape Coral, and then ASAP Heating and Cooling and Home Services.

Robert said his purpose in life was to make people smile. He did that with his charismatic charm and terrific sense of humor. He was genuine, thoughtful, caring, and selfless. He was charitable, giving to those less fortunate. He could always be counted on to help a friend or family member in need. Without a doubt Robert had the biggest heart, he entered someone’s life leaving a lasting impression.

He loved family, travel, landscape design, and his three dogs—Bubba, Ramona, and Layla. He was the glue that held people together, always happy to break bread with those he cared most about. He was a fabulous cook, choosing each ingredient with love, creating beautiful dishes and ready to do so at any hour of the day.

As a Brooklyn native, he was passionate about the Yankees and Giants. Growing up he was an all-star baseball player and had a lifetime love of sports. He was direct, sincere, humorous, and lived life his own way. He was often known for his magic tricks and cheesy jokes. He was a fantastic mentor to those around him and many close to him came to him for advice. He had an incredibly special bond with his daughter Jessica, a relationship of true unconditional love.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Jessica (fiancé Carrington Schwebel), of Cape Coral, Florida; the mother of his daughter, Mitzie Fox Lerner (Diango) of Cape Coral, Florida; granddaughter, Isabella; father, Robert Lerner (Rosie) of Whiting, New Jersey; his siblings, Dolores Larangeria of Manhattan, New York, Diane Breen of Atlanta, Georgia, Antoinette Cassels of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Chris Iacone (Lori), of McConnelsville, Ohio; his many nieces and nephews; as well as his significant other, Roma Testa, of Naples, Florida.

He was predeceased by his mother Nancy, older sister Joanne, and younger brother Danny.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at Mullins Memorial, 3654 Palm Beach Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33916. Per CDC COVID-19 guidelines, Mullins Memorial suggests that all participants wear a mask. We remind everyone to maintain Social Distancing while in our facilities.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Robert “Rob” Jules Lerner are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Roma Testa Jul 31, 2020 at 11:20 am

    He was every reason, every hope, and every dream I have ever had. Rob, I loved you every day. And now I will miss you every day. You will always be my sunshine.

  2. Joy Zelaya Jul 31, 2020 at 1:17 pm

    Rob you taught me many things when I worked with you in sales, more importantly your patient loving personality.. As a family-friend of over 22 years, we laughed and had so many fun times..you was so good to my kids. And a God father to the ANGEL CAKES as you called her..I know your up there dancing with my Danny!! We all loved to dance. Save a spot for me in Heaven, cause I know for sure you are right there. Thanks for leaving behind a legacy to be kind even when it’s hard to. Laugh and smile and most of all, LOVE others. You always helped other people! Great lesson to learn. And not to let money get you change who you are and where you came from. Our many talks about not letting the past affect my future success..
    Love you brother Rob God Bless

  3. Stephanie and Philip Fincher Jul 31, 2020 at 1:52 pm

    Our deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers to each heart who loved Rob. Rob was a winsome and sweet new friend of ours that we were privileged to meet in 2019. We loved his smile and the light of his eyes when he told a story and the kind attentiveness he demonstrated to whomever he was around. We are thankful to have known Rob and so grateful for the time spent with him and Roma.

  4. Cathy and Jamesy Denota Jul 31, 2020 at 1:58 pm

    Rob. You were family and will be missed Rest now until we all meet again Prayers for all who loved you and will have to go on without you 💔Cathy And Jamesy

  5. Rosie your stepmother Jul 31, 2020 at 4:31 pm

    Rob our hearts are broken your dad will never be the same you and Danny with the sun’s I never had now you are together again the only comfort we have is knowing that you were not alone Jessica Mitzi and Romy were at your side we love you rest in peace darling

  6. Rosie your stepmother Jul 31, 2020 at 4:35 pm

    Our LOVE forever
    .

  7. Dolores Jul 31, 2020 at 5:19 pm

    I miss you my beautiful precious brother this is the hardest thing I have to write what can I say as I read what everyone is saying they are spot on you brought joy to there life memories how can anyone forget you Your Presence your smile waiting to crack a joke yes brother you was a gift to who ever you touched especially mines you was the best brother I’m going to miss your soft words when you would tell me I loved you my whole life I can still hear it even though you are not here my heart is broken I will always think of you love you cry for you my brother but will look for you in the stars and the one that twinkles for me I’ll know it’s you so shine bright for me my brother I’m so grateful lucky to have had you in my life until we meet again.
    Your sister
    Dolores 🙏😘💋❤️🌹

  8. Ron Jozaites Jul 31, 2020 at 9:45 pm

    So sorry to hear about Rob’s passing. Little bit of time that I had to know him and the girls, he was a very nice and generous guy. Things been different, we all could have been friends I think. Gone too soon, may he RIP.

  9. Keith A. Marilungo Jul 31, 2020 at 10:23 pm

    Rob was one of my closest friends and like a father figure to me while I worked with him and Mitzie at Direct. He & I had a bond almost like that of true family. I am just distraught to having to just find out that we have lost one of the best men I have ever had the privilege to call my friend. I can remember how we used to joke about going to hell for some of the things we would do and if that’s where we were headed how it would be the VIP section with the velvet rope and A/C. But I know there’s no way a man like you could ever end up there, not with a heart like yours. You will forever be loved and missed by me my friend. RIP!!!

  10. Arleen Faith Andalia Aug 1, 2020 at 8:00 am

    I never needed an inspirational moment to make it through the day I always had Robert he would make me laugh no matter what. I woke up the other morning and realized my life would never be the same without him. Rob is my best friend and one thing I can say without a doubt is there’s nobody that could ever take his place in my heart. We laughed and we cried together mostly laughed. Right now I only want to cry I just have to think of what Rob would be saying to me right now. All I have to do is see Robert in my mind and I cant resist to smile.

    I pray for my friend Robert I will always love you Rob today and every day.

  11. Dennis Aug 1, 2020 at 11:28 am

    Will miss my good buddy. Thanks for taking such good care of me.

  12. Jessica Lerner Aug 4, 2020 at 1:05 pm

    Dad, I have no words. The pain is unbearable the words “I miss you” are truly not enough to even begin to express how I feel. I will live every day in agony. I love you with all of me, and I will never ever stop loving you. I am so beyond devastated.. til we meet again at those gates, my heart will forever be missing you.

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