A. ROBERT’s Obituary A. Robert Carnevale, 79, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully, March 26, with his family at his side. Known to most as just “ Bob”, to many as “ Mr. C.” and as “ Bob-Bob”to his beloved grandchildren, he was born in Philadelphia on August 16, 1939. Bob’s life was truly a miracle, as he was born severely premature, and wasn’t expected to survive.
His mother, Florence Carnevale, defied the doctors and took him home, confident that he would survive and thrive under her care, which he did. His father, Adolfo Carnevale was an Italian immigrant who came to the United States at the age of 17, with only $8 to his name. Adolfo died when Bob was only 3 years old, leaving Florence to raise him and his older sister, Ines.
Family and friends were constantly present in Bob’s younger years, which is likely why family and friends were so important throughout his life. After graduating from Central High School in Philadelphia, Bob joined the U. S. Army at age 17, in 1958. Bob served active duty for 2 years in Germany, and several years in the reserves upon his return.
Bob met Judith Lawrence in 1961 and they had their first date in Bob’s 1955 T-Bird. That began a life-long love affair with Judy, and was the start of one of Bob’s other passions, the classic car hobby. That same T-Bird is still part of Bob’s car collection.
Bob and Judy soon married and had a daughter, Robyn, and a son, Bruce. Family and friends were ever-present in their lives as they raised their family in Oreland, Pa. , and in their dream home, Sleepy Hollow in Gwynedd.
Bob joined Bradford White Corporation in 1961, thinking it would be a temporary job. After proudly receiving his business degree from Penn State University at night, while working full time, he earned positions of increasing responsibility at Bradford White. In 1992, he led the team that acquired Bradford White as Employee owners.
Bob was the visionary leader of Bradford White and remained it’s Chairman of the Board until his death. Bob was also recognized as an icon who always gave back to the industry. One of his favorite sayings was: “There’s no water like hot water!
” Bob and Judy moved to Vero Beach, Florida in 2009. To everyone’s surprise, the relaxing Vero lifestyle suited Bob. He cherished his time and many new friends in Vero.
Bob is survived by Judy, his wife of 56 years, his daughter Robyn Betterly ( Mark), his son Bruce ( Audrey), and his nine beloved grandchildren: Laura, Mark Ryan, Julia, Robby, Jack, Tommy, James, Charlotte, and Sara. He is also survived by his sister, Ines Eastburn of Oreland, Pa. In lieu of flowers, our family asks that you make a blood donation if you are able, or if not, please donate to one Bob’s favorite charities: The Wissahickon Valley Boys and Girls Club or Crossover Mission, Vero Beach Florida.
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