Robert Dircks

Robert Dircks, Sr. Robert Dircks Sr., 84, of Bradenton, Florida passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2013. Bob was born on November 22, 1928 in Sparrows Point, MD to Regina and William Dircks. He graduated from Sparrows Point High School in 1946, where he played on the lacrosse and soccer teams. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953, stationed in Korea as part of a bridge building and reconstruction crew. Following his service in Korea, Bob returned to work as a Civil Engineer for the Bethlehem Steel Company where he worked for 36 years. He was an avid golfer and served on the golf committee at Sparrows Point Country Club, organizing junior golf events, as well as attending many PGA and LPGA events. Following retirement, Bob and his wife Libby relocated to Florida in 1988, where he enjoyed golf, the beach, and traveling, making trips to 49 states and around the world. Bob loved life, enjoyed family and social gatherings, and making trips to visit his children. Bob was a member of the Elks and Moose lodges, and Perida Golf and Country Club, where he served on the board of directors and men's golf committee. Bob was preceeded in death by an infant son, William; and is survived by Elizabeth, his wife of 62 years; a daughter, Sherry of Orlando, Florida; a son Robbie, of Chapel Hill, NC; sisters, Helen Funari, Mildred Kukilia, and Elizabeth Smithey; many nieces and nephews; and a wide community of friends. A memorial service will be held at Manasota Funeral Home, Bradenton, at 11am on Tuesday, September 17, followed by a gathering of family and friends at Peridia Country Club at noon. A memorial service will also be held at a later date in Baltimore, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Adopt-A-Family of Manatee County, The First Tee of Sarasota, and the Nicaragua Missions Fund at University United Methodist Church of Chapel Hill, NC.