Obituary
Howard Robert Melchi (Sweet Bob) Born September 21st 1946. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Doris. Children: Steve (Diane) Vallejo, Connie (Bryce) Laud, Johnny Vallejo, Patti (Dan) Ciccomoseolo , Larry Vallejo, Chrissy (Bill) Lilliman, Celeste (Adan) Favela. Sister Teresa (Marve) Bundy, brother Mike Melchi. Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother Madeline Caldwell and father Howard Melchi Bob was born in Rock Island Illinois. Bob joined The United states Navy in 1963. Bob served at US Air Naval station in Corpus Christi TX as an E3. Bob also served as Naval reserve out of Bainbridge Maryland. Bob was Proud to serve in the US Navy. Bob even tried to reenlist later in life.
Bob worked for Case in Rock Island building tractors. Then moved on to work for international Harvester where he met Doris.
Bob and Doris were active members in a van club In their early years of marriage. They traveled the Midwest and enjoyed the free lifestyle. Their favorite watering hole was Hard Times in Moline, Illinois. Bob and Doris moved to Florida in 1998. Living in a quaint 3 bedroom home in Belleview Florida.
Bob was an avid Chicago Bears fan. Whether they were on top of their game or not.
Bob became a member of the Belleview 4251 fraternal order of Eagles. Bob Held the office of president for many years. He held many other offices. Wherever they needed him. Bob’s was bar manager and bartender for 20 plus years at the Belleview Eagles. Bob Was well known for his “NO” vote in all the meetings.
Bob’s commitment and dedication to the fraternal order of Eagles showed in his love for the people and charities. Bob loved to play baby New Year each year and would volunteer for any function or fundraiser to help the community and the club.
Bob was well known for teasing and torturing everyone he knew. His favorite target was Doris who could dish it right back to him. Bob enjoyed sending pictures of himself in his diaper, crazy hats and other getups to the kids. Bob’s grandkids would be both amused and embarrassed by his antics. But loved seeing what he would come up with next. They loved Papa and enjoyed his visits when he came North.
Bob was one of a kind and will be truly missed by many.
We will honor Bob with a celebration of life at Belleview Eagles on Hwy 25 November 14th at 1:00 PM
Bob and Doris adopted their cats Buster and Mitzy from Marion County Animal shelter. He loved this cat and Gigi their standard poodle slash aka miniature horse.
In lieu of flowers donations to in honor of Howard Robert Bob Melchi can be made to Marion County Animal Center 5701 SE 66th Street Ocala.
Love you!
Debbie & Steve Sotherden
Miss you
Howard US Navy