Obituary
Robert E. Daniels, 81, passed away after a short illness on February 8, 2024. Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Nancy Krainock Daniels, his two married daughters and four grandchildren, Jaime and Matthew Krob (Claire and Caroline), Bobbi and Chad Krompak (Connor and Alex). He also had a special loving relationship with his sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Mike Stevens, and his niece and nephew, Susan and Dale Smith. He is also survived by his brother Bill (Bernice) Daniels. He will also be missed by many other relatives and friends.
Bob was an accomplished educator and businessman prior to a post-retirement career in local Venice politics. Bob received his Bachelor of Science from Bowling Green State University, his Masters of Arts from Ball State University, and his Doctorate of Philosophy from The Ohio State University.
Bob began his career in teaching while simultaneously operating his own restoration construction company. He then moved on to higher education where he was Director of Training and Development at both North Central Technical College and Columbia State Community College. Bob then transitioned into the corporate world where he served as a Manager of Organizational Development and Training for General Electric and later as Vice President of Organizational Development and Training for Franklin International.
Upon retirement, Bob and Nancy moved to Venice, Florida where he became deeply involved in the community. He began as HOA president of Willow Chase and later expanded his outreach to the City of Venice.
Bob served the City for a decade. Daniels was first elected to the Venice City Council in 2010, a position he held until 2019. He served as Vice Mayor in 2018 and held a seat on the Environmental Advisory Board from October 2022 to November 2023. He was also the City’s representative on the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Sarasota County Tourist Development Council.
During his tenure, Daniels was a proponent for environmental preservation, championing the treatment of stormwater outfalls throughout the City and curbing stormwater runoff pollution through fertilizer restrictions. Most notably, Daniels worked with City residents and staff to preserve the Pinebrook Park Nature and Fitness Trail. An advocate for first responders, the Venice Police Department’s new facility on East Venice Avenue was approved during his tenure on Council.
A celebration of life will be held at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice on April 5, at 9:45 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, any memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice,Inc., Our Mother’s House, PO Box 2240, Venice, FL, 34284 (www.catholiccharitiesdov.org).
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