Howard (Howie) Rohrbacher, Jr., a lifelong Ocala, Florida native, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, at the age of 78, following a long illness. He was born on April 8,1947, and lived a life deeply rooted in family, friendship, and the community he loved.
Howie's childhood was filled with cherished memories of summers spent in Cedar Key, Florida, where his mother was born and raised. He was surrounded by family, laughter, and the joys of coastal life—memories he shared fondly throughout his life. He was a graduate of Ocala High School in 1965, and went on to earn his Bachelor's degree from Florida State University.
He began his career in parks and recreation in Brevard County Florida, where he met his wife, Kathy. While there, he developed a fascination with NASA and the space program, for whom Kathy's father worked. Later, he and Kathy moved to Bartow, where he took the position of Director of the City of Bartow's Parks and Recreation Department. Soon after his daughters were born, the Rohrbachers relocated to Ocala to be closer to family and friends. He later changed careers to commercial real estate and development, working closely with Charles Wayne Properties of Ormond Beach, Florida, and for Albertsons Corporation. He was active in the community, volunteering over the years on the Ocala International Airport Advisory Board, Marion County Charter Government Commission, Marion County Economic Development Council, a member of the Marion County Superintendent of Education's Citizens Advisory Board and a long time member of the Ocala Quarterback Club. A Corvette enthusiast, a private pilot, a scuba diver, and a lifelong golfer, Howie enjoyed being active, whether behind the wheel of a classic Corvette, perfecting his golf game at Ocala Municipal Golf Course, volunteering, or supporting his Florida State Seminoles.
Howie was a steady presence to his family, a loyal friend, and a man who valued time together above all else. His warmth, humor, and story-telling will be fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know and love him.
Howie is preceded in death by his father, Howard Rohrbacher, Sr. and his mother, Geraldine Delaino Rohrbacher. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathy Rohrbacher, daughters Mindy Rohrbacher of Gainesville, and Amy Meskimen (Ivan), of Acworth, Georgia, brother Bradley Rohrbacher of Ocala, four beautiful granddaughters, Ashlynn, Abigail, Delainy, and Ryleigh, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Howard's memory to the Ted and Diane Brandley House with Hospice of Marion County, Alzheimer's Association, or the Humane Society of Marion County..
A celebration of life will be planned early in the new year..
Howie's childhood was filled with cherished memories of summers spent in Cedar Key, Florida, where his mother was born and raised. He was surrounded by family, laughter, and the joys of coastal life—memories he shared fondly throughout his life. He was a graduate of Ocala High School in 1965, and went on to earn his Bachelor's degree from Florida State University.
He began his career in parks and recreation in Brevard County Florida, where he met his wife, Kathy. While there, he developed a fascination with NASA and the space program, for whom Kathy's father worked. Later, he and Kathy moved to Bartow, where he took the position of Director of the City of Bartow's Parks and Recreation Department. Soon after his daughters were born, the Rohrbachers relocated to Ocala to be closer to family and friends. He later changed careers to commercial real estate and development, working closely with Charles Wayne Properties of Ormond Beach, Florida, and for Albertsons Corporation. He was active in the community, volunteering over the years on the Ocala International Airport Advisory Board, Marion County Charter Government Commission, Marion County Economic Development Council, a member of the Marion County Superintendent of Education's Citizens Advisory Board and a long time member of the Ocala Quarterback Club. A Corvette enthusiast, a private pilot, a scuba diver, and a lifelong golfer, Howie enjoyed being active, whether behind the wheel of a classic Corvette, perfecting his golf game at Ocala Municipal Golf Course, volunteering, or supporting his Florida State Seminoles.
Howie was a steady presence to his family, a loyal friend, and a man who valued time together above all else. His warmth, humor, and story-telling will be fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know and love him.
Howie is preceded in death by his father, Howard Rohrbacher, Sr. and his mother, Geraldine Delaino Rohrbacher. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathy Rohrbacher, daughters Mindy Rohrbacher of Gainesville, and Amy Meskimen (Ivan), of Acworth, Georgia, brother Bradley Rohrbacher of Ocala, four beautiful granddaughters, Ashlynn, Abigail, Delainy, and Ryleigh, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Howard's memory to the Ted and Diane Brandley House with Hospice of Marion County, Alzheimer's Association, or the Humane Society of Marion County..
A celebration of life will be planned early in the new year..
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Howard Albert Rohrbacher, please visit our flower store.
Consider a donation, as requested by the family.
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