Jack W. Roby Sr.

Jack Winkler Roby, Sr., Age 79, of Merritt Island, Florida passed peacefully on Monday, March 28, 2022, in the arms at the home of his loving daughter, Jacqueline “Wendy” Roby Gregory in Oviedo, Florida. Jack was born on June 9, 1942, in Elmira, NY, the son of Samuel & Olga Winkler Roby. Jack started his life on the Southside of Elmira, then in 1953 the family moved to the Village of Elmira Heights, NY. Jack attended Lenox Avenue Elementary School and Thomas A. Edison High School. Jack loved his country and at 17 he joined the U.S. Army on September 30, 1959, After his honorable discharge in 1962. Jack was not finished serving his country and on March 7, 1963, joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged on February 9, 1966. Jack also attended Corning Community College in the 70’s. Jack was a great brother to his siblings Kay, Nancy, Don, and Ray. He married in 1965 and started his family in Elmira Heights. In 1978 he relocated to Sarasota, Florida with his family. In 1986 Jack fulfilled a lifelong dream of obtaining his pilot’s license. That accomplishment brought him much pride and happiness. Jack spent the first act of his career in the construction industry and the second act was as the Brevard County Utilities inspector. Jack was an active member of many clubs and legions and his leadership was an integral part of their continued success. Jack loved to golf with his buddies and had a personality and smile that once you had the privilege of getting to know him you would never forget him. Jack loved ALL his children equally even though he endured many years of parental alienation. Jack, his daughter “Wendy” and grandson Garrett shared a very special relationship that can never be replaced but the memories we made are priceless. Jack and Wendy shared many tough conversations through the years and Jack would want everyone to know he was flawed and that he loved his Lord and Savior. The fact he could admit his flaws, apologize, ask for forgiveness, and forgive others when asked is what bonded Jack and his daughter Wendy and no matter how hard outside sources tried to break that bond it would not then nor now or ever be broken. Jack would want his sons Jack Jr and Jason to know he loved them every day of his life. Wendy will be eternally grateful to Chaplain Dan from Hospice who prayed with Jack as he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior the week before he passed and the continued spiritual support he provides. Jack’s oldest son Sam, wife Patricia and grandson Patrick brought so much joy to Jack’s life. Patricia was more than a daughter in law, he loved her and thought of her as his own daughter as well. Jack’s father, Samuel passed in 1966, his mother in 2009 and his beloved sister, Kay in 2017. Jack is survived by his children, Jacqueline” Wendy”, Sam, Patricia, Jack, Jason and his grandsons, Garrett, Patrick and Dalton; siblings & spouses: Don & Stephanie Roby, Ray & Laurie Roby, Nancy Roby & Paul Casselberry. A special thank you to Laurie for her compassion and nursing skills and Ray for his constant support during the last days of Jack’s life. Laurie was a godsend to “Wendy” and the family. Per Jack’s request, Interment will take place at Woodlawn National Cemetery with Marine Corps Honor Guard on May 6, 2022, 3:00pm. There will be a gathering for family and friends immediately after the committal at the Elmira Heights American Legion Post#154, Prescott Avenue Entrance, Elmira Heights, NY. The family will also have a celebration of life for Jack at a later date in Merritt Island, Florida. Special thank you to Roger TenEyck of the James D. Barrett Funeral Home, Jason and Dan of the Woodlawn National Cemetery, Tom Bruner of the Marine Corps League, Todd Kerbein of the Heights American Legion Post #154, Billy & Jonny Spaulding of Corning Catering. Jack’s sister Nancy wanted to extend a special thank you to her two younger brothers, and Wendy’s uncles, Don and Ray Roby for all their support. To her beautiful and loving niece, Jacqueline “Wendy” Roby she will always be grateful for the love that she gave her Dad, he loves you so much.