Obituary of Robert Edward Charette

Robert Edward Charette, 80, died peacefully with family at his side, on December 2, 2018 at William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, Florida. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Bob graduated from Redford High School, and then proudly served in The United States Navy as a Personnelman, 3rd Class. Returning to his Oklahoma base via cross-country train, this “big city boy” met his Kansas country gal while on board. Bob liked to brag that Nancy fell for him first, literally, since he gallantly assisted her after a fall on the train. Nancy reminisces that he was like a knight in shining armor, boasting Navy whites and a broad smile, as he reached to offer help. Both were charmed long after leaving their respective stations. In true Hallmark fashion, they were engaged after just months of letter writing and a good ol’ fashioned country parade. Their subsequent 59 years of marriage and personal version of “Eight is Enough,” are testimony to their enduring love story. In addition to building a marriage and family of 10, Bob built a career with IBM Corporation. He retired from their management team after humble beginnings in the mailroom and 34 years of hard work. Outside of work, he enjoyed most spending time with family, traveling to new places, meeting new people, and sharing his joy of life. He particularly loved to sing, both in community theatrical productions and in the church choir. Bob was always an active member of his church and very involved in several ministries. Whether serving in the Knights of Columbus, shopping weekly for the elderly, or lending an encouraging ear, Bob lived for those moments when he could express how big God’s Love is with small gestures. Rather than preach a sermon, he chose to live it by simply sharing his time and attention. Fondly referred to as The Kissing Frenchman, Bob was generous with affectionate kisses and giant bear hugs. These will be missed most by his wife Nancy; 8 children, Karen (Randall) Kreger, Phillip (Kimberly) Charette, Lynda (Michael) Tuttle Swintosky, Cynthia Zimmerman, Theresa (Michael) Browning, Stephen Charette, John Charette, and James (Megan) Charette; 13 grandchildren, Daniel, Amy, Kenneth, Kaitlyn, Brittany, Stephen, Robert, Adam, Adrian, Ryan, Taylor, Zachary, and Grant; 2 great-grandchildren, Ethan and Grace; and 4 step-siblings, Mary, Robert, Kathy, and James. Faithful follower, loving husband, devoted father, community friend, and now, beloved guardian angel. In the words of his favorite Irish Blessing, may the road rise to meet him, may the wind be always at his back, may the sun shine warm upon his face, and rains fall soft upon his fields, and until we meet again, may God hold him in the palm of His hand. A service celebrating his life will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, January 7, 2019 at 11:00 AM. This will be followed by his internment at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery the same day at 3:00 PM. After both services, all are invited to attend a reception honoring Bob at The Cloisters Clubhouse in Indialantic. In gratitude to the attentive care provided by the William Childs Hospice House staff, the family asks that donations be made to Health First Foundation in lieu of flowers. Please designate your donation for the benefit of The William Childs Hospice House in Robert Charette’s name.