Obituary of Robert Francis Petersen, Jr.

Petersen, Robert F. Jr. "Bobby" 71, passed away September 7, 2023 after a brief illness.  Bobby was born in Bradenton, FL November 27, 1951 to Robert F. "Pete" and Lonell (Tison) Petersen.

Bobby grew up and lived most of his life in N.W. Hillsborough County.  In 1958 the family built a home on Little Halfmoon Lake.  It was there that we had the most magical childhood.

We could swim, fish or ride our horse. No fences, just dirt roads, orange groves and woods to explore.

In my brothers' teenage years they got into surfing since our dad was working at Cape Kennedy.  He graduated from Leto High in 1969 and was the most outstanding athlete on the wrestling team.  He studied at USF for two years before leaving to work full time as an ironworker, like his dad and brother. He was a member of the Local 397 and had union brothers all over the country.  In 1984, he married the love of his life, Deborah "Debbie" Sharp.  Debbie passed in 2018, and soon after he built the home they planned in Port Charlotte where he was blessed to have plenty of fishing and boating activities with his new neighbors, who were like family.  They are all mourning his loss.  

Our Mother passed in 1986.  She was the homeroom mother, den mother, Brownie leader and chaufer to swim and Judo practice and meets.  She made our clothes and made our yard a tropical paradise.  She took to spoiling our Dad and her kids to the next level.  Our Dad passed in 2006, a member of the greatest generation.  He taught us how to play and have fun.  He gave us our love of the water and boating.  In addition to Debbie and our parents, our brother Charles R. passed in 2005.

He is survived by his Sister, Diane Dickerson, niece Angela Dickerson and her husband Donald Butler, Nephew J. Clark Dickerson and nephew Drew. M. Petersen, Grand Nieces and Nephews, Sam Butler, Haley Dickerson, Charles "Chaz" Petersen and "The bonus" siblings of Chaz and Haley, Emma, London, Parker and Dakota,

Mother in law Barbara Sharp and many close cousins.