Robert Specht

SPECHT, Robert, known to friends as "Bob", passed away Feb. 26, 2018, at the age of 87 after a brief illness. Born Oct. 14, 1930, in Erie, Pa., Bob resided in Erie until he graduated from high school. He then joined the U.S. Navy and embarked on a decorated 20-year career, ultimately achieving the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. Upon leaving the Navy, Bob began a second career as a salesman and business owner. He and his partners grew a small manufacturer of fasteners into a major supplier to central Florida businesses, as well as to a variety of military programs. When he retired from his company, he dove into his longtime hobby of baseball card collecting. He bought and sold cards and sports memorabilia up and down the East Coast and was well known in the Tampa Bay area for his well-curated collections. Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Joyce of Clearwater; and his loving daughter, Nancy Specht Longo of New York. A memorial service for Bob will be held Saturday, March 17, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens, 1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, Fla. Reverend Father Theodore Costello will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's name may be made to Suncoast Hospice Care Center North Pinellas, 164 West Lake Road, Palm Harbor, Fla.