Robert L. Koeppel

Robert L. Koeppel, known to friends and family as Bob, passed away Thursday Dec 6th at South Miami Hospital. Bob was born in Jamaica New York on July 15, 1930. He was the second son of Aaron and Frances Koeppel. His father sold cars, used at first and then purchased and ran a new Dodge dealership. After Graduation from high school he attended University of Miami where he attained a degree in Psychology. He then went on to Law School graduating from UM Law in 1954. Bob began his legal career back in New York but quickly returned to South Florida where he became Dade County's first Public defender in 1957. He was re-elected to the position in 1965 and served the county as its first Public Defender for 13 years. Bob began his private practice after leaving the Public Defender's office. He was in private practice in the law firm of Koeppel, Stark, Marks and Newmark for many years ultimately retiring from the practice of law in 1990. He then served the County as a Special Master for 2 years. Bob stayed involved in with University of Miami. He taught trial practice to their law students for two years and served as President of UM law alumni Bob then enjoyed a "second career" as a legal consultant and advisor for several private companies including Care Plus. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Esther "Ettie" and their son Kevin F. Koeppel. He is also survived by his 3 children from his first marriage: Robert L. Koeppel Jr., Steven Gautier Koeppel and daughter Peyton K. Lester. Additionally Bob is survived by his 8 grandchildren: Lauren & Robert Koeppel; John, Kyle and Kelly Koeppel, and Cliff, Duncan & Desi Lester. His family and his work were his loves in life. Bob loved finance and business and stayed active in both past his eightieth birthday. Bob will be remembered by friends and family for many things. He was always quick witted, funny and "on the go". He sometimes flew by the "seat of his pants" but always landed right where he planned. He lived life to the fullest. His hobbies and past times included fishing in the Bahamas in some of the early all wood sport fishing boats, quail and duck hunting in Immokalee, piloting a twin engine private plane, running a cattle farm in North Florida and playing tennis. His good humor, good conversation and engaging smile will be missed by all that knew him.