Compton, Robert
Jun. 14, 1987 - Aug. 17, 2016
Robert Compton, 29, of Nokomis, Florida, loving son and dear brother, passed on August 17, 2016. He graduated from Venice High School, and he holds advanced degrees from the University of Florida. Robert worked as an environmental engineer with the Army Corps of Engineers in West Palm Beach, Florida. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday at 9:30 AM August 23, 2016 at Saint Thomas More in Sarasota. Survived by Robert are his parents, Mary and Glenn, and his siblings, Ryan and Regina. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Nature Conservancy - Florida.
Funeral Arrangements By: Jennings Funeral Home & Crematory

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald Tribune on Aug. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Compton

Sponsored by CLOSED-Jennings Funeral Home & Crematory.

45 Entries

Annie Monville

August 21, 2025

I think of Bobby every time I drive past the cemetery. I wish I could still invite him in for a meal with the family and catch up. I miss him.

Mary

August 18, 2024

Thank you for remembering.
Maryq

Annie Monville

August 17, 2024

I think of Bobby each Wednesday when I travel past the cemetery on my way to work in Sarasota. His memory also lives on through my grandson Leo Bobby. Hard to believe its been 8 years since his passing.

Mary

August 17, 2023

Thank You Anne for remembering Bobby every year.

Annie Monville

August 16, 2023

I can´t believe it has been seven years. I say a little prayer and think of you each time I pass the cemetery on my way to work in Sarasota. Miss you Bobby.

Jenny (Monville) Belligan

August 15, 2023

I think of Bobby often! He was one of the most unique people I have ever met. I have so many happy and funny stories with Bobby in them. My kids sometimes ask me to "tell a Bobby story". He will forever be in our hearts!

Annie Monville

August 17, 2021

Today I am remembering all the times I broke bread with Bobby. I miss you Bobby. My new grandson Leo Bobby has an appetite like Bobby.

Mary Compton

August 17, 2020

Thank you, Ann. Your family was a big part of his life. We would appreciate any videos Bobby’s friends may want to share with us.

Ann Monville

August 16, 2020

I still think of Bobby often and miss him. He was a special part of our Monville family.

Ann Monville

August 5, 2017

I have been thinking a lot about Bobby lately, especially in June. Jenny and Blaze we're expecting their second baby in June. Jenny thought she would be born on Bobby's birthday, but Melody decided to arrive on July 1st instead. I wish Bobby could meet my grandchildren, Hank and Melody. I miss you Bobby!
Ann Monville

Hailey Davis

July 13, 2017

Although I never knew bobby, I always heard a lot about him from his mother (and my fifth grade school teacher) Mary Compton. She always talked about how much she loved him and about how proud she was to have an amazing son like Robert. Thank you Mrs. Compton for teaching me all I know and now I am in 8th grade reading this for the 5th time and I decided to reach out. I'm so sorry for your loss. I would love to get in touch with you and maybe we could see each other soon. Much love sent.

October 28, 2016

For those that were unable to make the memorial the 22nd or would like to revisit Bobby's marsh in Prairie Creek or his bench at the SEEP wetland on UFs campus, here are the GPS coordinates:

Prairie Creek Marsh
29.601997, -82.235988

SEEP Bench
29.634515, -82.368200

Bobby and his friend Bear

John Monville

October 13, 2016

A group in Gainesville is planning to gather and commemorate the life of Bobby on Saturday October 22nd. Many close to him are now spread out across the country and in this time of sorting through grief but also memories of joy we want to be together.

There are a few activities in mind, please join us for some or all of these
plans.

Saturday morning we will meet at 10:30 AM at the Hawthorne Trail/Prairie
Creek parking at Witness Tree Junction at the intersection of CR 234 and
2082. We will hike on Prairie Creek trails to a specific wetland that was
near and dear to Bobby's heart having dubbed it his "favorite wetland." One
in which he included in his graduate research on dissolved Oxygen and where
we all practiced for the start of the NWCA field season. We have a piece of
donated salvaged cypress from the Apalachicola River that has been
inscribed and will be placed in the wetland in his memory. Bobby spent a
lot of time out on the Alachua Conservation Trust Prairie Creek property
both in research and hiking with ACT led activities or just for fun. Some
of us are making donations in Bobby's name to the land trust.

This hike could be hot, buggy, muddy, wet and dirty, just the way Bobby
would have liked it.

I think folks will part ways to rest, clean up, eat in the middle of the
day.

We will reconvene on campus at SEEP at 4 PM. Bobby taught Wetlands Ecology
Lab through out graduate school. Bobby loved teaching and the outdoor
teaching lab of SEEP was a special part of that experience. Dr Brown and
Dr Clark have been working together to build a bench that will be placed at
SEEP in Bobby's memory. There will be a bronze plaque with his name but it
will not be ready on the 22nd but we can still walk the boardwalk and see
the awesome bench they made for him.

Afterwards we will beer, probably a lot of beer at First Magnitude. There
is typically a food truck there in case you need to supplement said beer
with nutrition.

Bobby's parents Mary and Glenn Compton will be joining us all day as well
several of Bobby's friends from back home and undergrad. Please forward
this message to anyone you think might want to be a part of this
celebration.

For those4 of you who knew and was close with bobby during other periods of his life, the picture is after spearfishing in his hometown and playing with "Bear." Bobby newBear since he was a puppy and I do not think that the two of them ever had a single poor experience together.

September 8, 2016

Bobby was a major impact on many of our lives for so long and he will be greatly missed. I regret that my children will only ever hear stories of my friend Bobby and will not get the chance to meet him until one day in heaven.

Ann Monville

August 28, 2016

I have known Bobby since he became Eric,s friend in sixth grade. He was a regular at our house. Mealtime is very important to our family..I am happy to say Bobby shared many meals with us. Bobby became legendary as I good eater in our family.

Bobby became like a brother to Eric, John, and Jenny. He shared many adventures with them as they grew from children to adults. Bobby was a positive influence on all of us. He had a happy, kind and gentle spirit. He was funny, smart, thoughtful, quirky and full of surprises a.

I have many memories of Bobby. Here are just a few: Bobby playing the piano in our living room. Bobby in between Eric and John Shipps supporting a tarpon. Bobby in my kitchen ,leaning on Erik Hess, staring in my pantry sighing, "Wow, this brings back fond memories." Bobby coming into my new home after we downsized saying, "Mrs. Monville, it looks different, but feels the same."

That's our Bobby. I loved him as one of my own and will miss him dearly. Mary and Glenn, may you take comfort in knowing you raised a fine son, a son to be proud of. A son who made a positive difference in our world.

Bobbi Barger

August 27, 2016

Mary and family,
I am sending my love, warmth, prayers and understanding to you and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Bobby just completed his field work for his masters

Jenet

August 27, 2016

Jenet

August 27, 2016

This is our official National Wetland Condition Assessment Team Photo from Grad School at UF. We all spent hundreds of hours together in the field and office collecting/processing/analyzing data.

We were always amazed at how well Bobby dealt with being around so many loud, self-assured women in extremely hot/muddy/buggy conditions. He was our greatest field asset. We coined the term "strong arm" just for bobby. He would screw something closed so tight that none of us could budge it. He would load his pack with all the heaviest equipment without saying a thing, knowing that we all secretly wanted him to carry everything but were way too prideful to actually ask him. We made up lyrics and sang songs about the "swamp life" when we were loopy from spending hours in 100 degree heat. He could always come up with something witty and funny, even at the end of the day. Bobby had the BEST attitude in the field. He got the work done and made it a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

We are all so glad that we got to work with Bobby on this project. We all became very close friends, very quickly. That summer of field work is one that we all talk and laugh about often. Now the memories are even sweeter.

Bobby was an integral part of the HT Odum Center for Wetlands at the University of Florida while he worked there. His influence is still present and will continue to be felt for a long time. His research on dissolved oxygen in isolated wetland systems is exciting and talked about. He set standards for a fantastic field work ethic and attitude. He shared his passion for wetlands and vast knowledge with many students through his teaching. He was a great friend. We all love him deeply.

We owe a dept of gratitude to Bobby's Parents and family. Thank you for helping him develop into such a wonderful person and instilling a love for the environment and adventure in Bobby. We are so fortunate to have known him. You are constantly in our thoughts.

Love,

Valerie, Jenet, Torren, Erica, Carrie

Mystery dinner party

Jenny Belligan

August 27, 2016

Sally Goulet

August 27, 2016

Bobby was such a genuinely kind person. He was always game to do something fun, adventurous and mischievous. I remember being blown away by his expert piano skills. I always loved his chuckle, too.

Bobby and the gang used to visit Erika and I when we worked at the sushi place in high school near Stein Mart. They would come relatively frequently and one night there was an epic wasabi battle. I can't remember the exact details, but I can guarantee you Bobby was involved (in a terrible sinus-burning sort of way).

Another time at the sushi place after we closed we were hanging out in the parking lot delaying the drive home and the inevitable end to our evening. A show down ensued. It was Bobby vs. Erich to see who could jump over Bobby's infamous brown Grand Marquis. I'm not sure how this was humanly possible but Bobby jumped entirely over his car. Like from ground to ground. (Erich thinks it was him...I'm positive it was Bobby).

Bobby was someone who cared about and loved everyone around him. He was a sweet soul. I will always miss him. All my love to you, Compton Family.

Kara Drury

August 26, 2016

In senior year of high school, I asked Bobby to sign my yearbook and include a drawing of him riding Beggar the Dolphin. Here it is.

Kara Drury

August 26, 2016

I came to know Bobby in High School at VHS and in College at UF. Even prior to knowing him, I remember his pranks in middle school, where he had an famous fake yawn that everyone talked about and he would purposely trip in class. During that time, all the excitement that seemed to happen somehow always had Bobby in it. From jumping on a dolphin, sticking his hand in a pile of ants, to betting he could stay in a dog crate for 8 hours (he won). He was part of our crew who wake boarded in the Myakka River (a no wake zone filled with gators) on Erich Hess' boat until we eventually got caught by a Fish & Wildlife Commission. He was an adventurous mountain biker and frequently biked the trails in the Gainesville area.

He was the one you would call on to do things, anything, without fear and ready to take on the world. He truly lived life, and didn't let anything hold him back. He was such a unique guy, and had a different way of doing things, which is part of what everyone loves about him, including myself. You knew if Bobby was there, no matter what you were doing, you would have a great time and laugh until you peed your pants. One of the best things is, his legacy lives on, and he will continue to make us laugh with the seemingly infinite number of Bobby Stories from all the lives he has touched. He has truly made an impact on the world and brought much joy to many people's lives, and we are so incredibly grateful to have known him.

Most recently, he visited us in Colorado, where we snowboarded in Beaver Creek. It was one of his first times snowboarding, but he picked it up immediately and kept up with the crew. He wiped out several times, hence the snow stuck to his beard in the photo. He had a knack for learning things quicker than anyone I know academically, musically, athletically, professionally, and everything in between. He was always willing to try something new and be the first.

When I asked his sister Regina what we could do for her family, her response was, Be more like Bobby. I can't think of a better way to live life than to live life like Bobby did. Always find the joy in things, be daring & take risks, go on adventures, don't be afraid to be you, and don't take life to seriously.

Much love,
Kara Drury

Raj Kamthe

August 26, 2016

I will miss him dearly. He was a good friend of mine and I will miss his kind nature, his understanding self, the amazing talent he had to make anyone feel better about themselves. He was a truly special person and I will miss him always.

Jonathan Shipps

August 26, 2016

Bobby was the guy that always made you laugh or just happier in general.

He was a close friend and I'm thankful for all the memories: football, school, weightlifting, fishing, spear fishing, and just hanging out times we had. He was a selfless guy and had a huge heart. I won't ever forget Bobby or the Countless legendary stories he has lived over the years. I am Honored to call him a friend and there will be a void in my heart along with many others friends and family that won't be filled with Bobby gone.

Like Eric said, you've probably met up with our brother Russ. My prayers and thoughts are with all the friends and family.

- Jonathan

August 26, 2016

I tremendously enjoyed working with Robert doing wetland delineations over the past few months. He was a great guy and our prayers go out to him and his family. We all learned a lot on the outdoor adventures. Peace be with you.

Miles Glass

August 26, 2016

Bobby was one of the funniest upbeat people I knew through the LNS and VHS days. His shenanigans were legendary. Tripping on the stage at graduation. Swimming across the intercoastal, during the winter, just because (I assume he's the only one to ever accomplish this feat during class). The best aggressive walker I ever saw (before it was cool and called parkour). Bob will be missed. I know I'll never forget that guy.

Annie Clinch

August 25, 2016

My heart aches at the loss of such a wonderful person. I feel blessed to have had to opportunity to know and share endless laughs with Bobby throughout the years. This past fall at a UF tailgate, Bobby and I got to chat about our jobs and life updates - Bobby was so passionate about his and so genuine in asking about mine. He has such a caring soul and will be missed greatly.

Praying for peace at such a difficult time. We all loved your son and will miss him deeply <3

Michelle Trayner

August 25, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with Bobby and his family. Bobby was one of the most genuine people I was privileged to meet and know in college. He could make anyone laugh without even trying and had the best heart. I am going to miss him.

Molly Jansen

August 25, 2016

Bobby was a terrific guy. He had a type of kindness within him that can't be replaced. I'm going to miss him dearly. My condolences are with his family & closet of friends. I'll never forget the memories I shared with Bobby at UF like the time we had the mysterious dinner party & we all dressed up like it was a live Clue game or any other memory because Bobby is unforgettable. He lives on in all of us. He was such a good guy & funny, he made everyone laugh & everyone truly loved him. ❤ R.I.P. Bobby

Casey Shikada

August 25, 2016

I was very saddened to hear of Bobby's passing. He was such a funny person. I remember this one time we all went to Ginnie springs to float down the lake and Bobby decided to swim the whole way, hanging on to random floats whenever he got tired. He was loved and he will be missed.

Breanna Madden

August 25, 2016

Bobby was a joy to know. He was loved by many. My prayers are with his family ❤.

Allison Lewis

August 24, 2016

I was blessed to know and become friends with Bobby through my friendship with Jenny Monville and her brother Eric. Many of my fondest memories from high school were spent at the Monville house hanging out with Jenny and our friends, as well as, Eric & Bobby. As I hung out with Bobby, I quickly learned that he was the life of the group. Whether it was playing every sport possible, eating too much snapper fried light, & hanging out down by the beach, Bobby always added some twist to any activity that made everyone laugh.

I was fortunate to have my memories with Bobby continue into my college years at UF. I ended up studying the same major as Bobby and he helped me get my first job experience working in wetlands and water treatment. This first job experience led me down a path I am forever grateful for and I am so thankful for Bobby's help and encouragement.

Bobby was like an older brother to me and he always looked out for me. Being an only child, part of me always wished I had siblings but perhaps I did not because God had a different set of brothers in mind for me. I am sure thankful for Bobby. Bobby was genuine, caring, selfless, intelligent, and hilarious. Bobby brought so much joy and life to the last 12 years of my life and I will miss him greatly. I know that Bobby and the joy that Bobby gave will live on as we remember and re-tell the many infamous Bobby stories.

My many condolences to Bobby's family. Please know you are in my prayers day and night.

Allison

Glen and Jean Marinella

August 24, 2016

We are truly saddened to have lost a friend like Bobby. Although we moved away and lost touch we will always have good memories. Our boys spent all of elementary school and middle school together. We remember little Bobby and sad we did not get to know the young man. Bobby was always happy when playing with Grant and Gordon. We are truly saddened and are praying for Mary, Glenn, Ryan and Regina.

Eric Monville

August 24, 2016

In middle school, Bob and I were banned from sitting next to each other because we would laugh too much. They also banned us from being at the same events during track meets. We had non-stop laughs. Everything was fun. He was the guy you called, no matter what you were doing--fishing, spearing, basketball, football, wake boarding, poker, drinking, chasing women, video games, eating, road trips, working, homework, skating, surfing, boating, raquetball, playing music, working out, ping pong, hunting, skimming, kayaking, or nothing at all... We could all make a game out of nothing. Thank you to his family for letting us spend so much time with him. I hope he is with our old friend Russ somewhere.

He will never be forgotten.

-Eric

Bobby the ladies man

Blaze and Jenny (Monville) Belligan

August 24, 2016

My brother Eric Monville and Bobby have been friends for almost 18 years... Most of my life. And he was like a brother to me.

The past few days have been so strange because the only memories I have of Bobby are just down right hilarious, and I find myself crying hysterically and then bursting out in laughter as I remember him.

Eric and I were talking about how Bobby was a comedic genius. He was constantly making us laugh with just a look or certain way he did something... And he knew exactly what he was doing. He was unbelievably intelligent (got a masters in engineering from UF) and a musical prodigy (he could play the most intricate piano pieces from memory... My grandma taught piano for years and said she's never seen anything like it).

There will never be another Bobby. I honestly have hours worth of stories I could share - and I know other people feel the same way. Bobby was unbelievably kind, generous, intelligent, humble, and funny. The world will miss him greatly.

A snip from a photo in my office at City Hall that always makes me smile

John Monville

August 24, 2016

John Monville: Throughout the years Bobby became like a part of my family and a little brother to me. I truly loved and respected him and the world was a better place with him in it. I have so many fond memories with him and find it difficult to envision never spending time with him again. But there is no doubt in my mind that he will live on forever in our memories. Mary when you feel the time is appropriate I left my phone number in the book yesterday and would love to come by your house to let you know about some of the fond memories that I have of him that you may not have ever heard. What a special person he was, words cannot explain. From: John Monville

Grant Marinella

August 23, 2016

Bobby was one of my closest friends growing up. Unfortunately we lost touch and haven't spoken in about 15 years. I was very saddened to hear the news of his passing and unfortunately could not attend his funeral today. I offer my deepest condolences as I used to be very close to the family as well.

Paul Chadik

August 23, 2016

My deepest condolences to the Compton family. Bobby was a student in the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences at the University of Florida. I had the privilege of teaching him in one of my classes. He was a bright student and most respectful of the faculty and his fellow students. We all mourn his passing.

August 23, 2016

This was a very special young man. He was filled with so much sweetness. Bobby was a brilliant musician. As a kid he could sit down and just play from ear and he sounded amazing. I remember him as being very sweet, and gentle. He definitely had an appreciation of good food. Bobby was humble and never put himself above the rest. He loved the environment and he made a difference in nature. Lovingly, his family provided lots of warmth and protection for him to grow.. I know he will be missed on Earth but perhaps he has a greater mission in Heaven. Love, Mrs. Doctor

Geraldine Swormstedt

August 23, 2016

I was very very sorry to hear about your son. I hope at this time that the thoughts and prayers of your friends and family as they share your memories will support you in this time of heartfelt sorrow. With love, Gerry Swormstedt

Pat Gaughran

August 22, 2016

My deepest condolences to you all. It is never easy to loose a Loved one, it is even harder to loose a child.

August 22, 2016

Mary and Glenn,

I am so sorry to get the news of your loss of Bobby. I can't imagine your grief. No parent wants this. It isn't the way we expect life to go. II have you and whole family in my heart and wish you the best. Please know people are very affected by this news and they are keeping you in their prayers an thoughts.

Betty Randolph

Jeanette & Gene Donohue

August 21, 2016

Dear Glenn and family,

We were so sorry to read that your son has passed! Our hearts are broken for you all! May you find some comfort in the wonderful memories you have with your son! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time!

Clay Tappan

August 21, 2016

I'll think of you every time I'm in the woods now...

Cathy Kitto

August 21, 2016

Mary, Glenn, Ryan and Regina,

My heart is broken for you and the wonderful Bobby who I remember so well and fondly from Gulf Gate School. His long tee shirts - a style of his own, so smart - such an individual, and especially his unexpected talent as an up-side-down piano player. He was one of those special gifts that kept me in education over the years. Bobby, Bobby, Bobby.

I am so sorry for your loss, a loss for all of us who knew and loved him. One day we'll talk about his wonderful life, Mary. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

With warmth and love,
Cathy Kitto

Showing 1 - 45 of 45 results