Robert "Bob" Vanecek

1934 - 2018

Vanecek, Robert "Bob"
September 4, 1934 - February 8, 2018
Robert "Bob" Vanecek passed away peacefully at Venice Hospice House in Venice, FL on February 8, 2018. He was born on September 14, 1934 in Chicago, IL to John and Rosalie (Cepican) Vanecek. Bob worked as a Mechanical Engineer at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, IL for 25 years, where he met and married his beloved wife, Carolyn Noble, in September of 1972. After their retirement, Robert and Carolyn moved to Presque, WI where they lived for 8 years before moving down to Florida. They have been residents of Florida for 12 years.
Bob was a Mason, Knight Templar, and Shriner. He served as Chief of the Keystone Kops unit of the Venice Shrine Club and drove the old 1929 paddy wagon in parades. He belonged to the Sarasota Trap and Skeet Club. He was a downhill ski patroller for 30 years, mainly in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Robert also loved fishing and cruising. He loved dogs, and they loved him. More recently he served on various committees in his community. Robert was very dependable and loyal to any activity or project he undertook.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Carolyn; children Rob (Verena) Heck of Park City, UT, Vicki Heck of Salt Lake City, UT, and Jackie Heck of Salt Lake City, UT; grandchildren Lilly and Vivian; sister Ann Auersch of Chicago; nephew Andrew Auersch of Big Rock, IL; and sister and brother in law Irene and Jack Wilde of Lombard, IL.
A Memorial Mass will take place on Tuesday, February 20 at 11am at Epiphany Cathedral. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Robert to the Shriners Hospital for Children 12502 USF Pine Dr. Tampa, FL 33612.