Obituary
Robert “Bob” B. Schaer, 69, of Lithia, FL and formerly of Parrish, FL, Bradenton, FL and Ravenna, OH, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, FL after a courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Born on October 28, 1952 in Ravenna, OH to his proud parents William E. & Dorothy R. (Pickens) Schaer, Bob was a retired music educator and band director. He graduated from Kent Sate University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and furthered his education at the University of Florida, where he was awarded a Master of Fine Arts degree. As a teacher, Bob was both a mentor and a father figure to students at numerous schools, including Lakewood Ranch High School, Southeast High School, Naples High School, Port Charlotte High School, the University of Florida where he was a graduate assistant and Seven Hills High School in Parma, OH where his career began. He truly loved all of his Band Kids.
Bob’s passions included golfing and flying his radio-controlled airplanes. After retirement, Bob enjoyed being the Director of the Suncoast Jazz Band in Sarasota, and the Director of the New Horizons Band in Gulfport, FL. He also enjoyed time as a percussionist and timpanist with his colleagues in the Suncoast Concert Band, as well as playing gigs on drum set with Barry and The Boomers and other various bands in the area.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 44 years, Joyce; his loving son, Rob (Lauren) Schaer and his loving daughter, Jessica (Tyler) Loggains; a brother, David (Verna) Schaer; along with his two grandsons, Nicholas and Andrew, to whom he was a devoted grandfather.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, William & Dorothy Schaer and a sister, Holly Baum.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 19, 2022 at 3:30PM at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3131 61st Street, Sarasota, FL.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Bob’s memory to the Lakewood Ranch, Southeast High, or Port Charlotte High School Band Boosters Associations, as Bob’s passion was ensuring students and any future Band Kids always have the opportunity to fall in love with music.
Mr. Schaer and I at the senior band awards banquet for Lakewood Ranch back in 2005.
Rest In Peace
Lisa Horan (Kabat PCHS class 1984)
Love ya