Robert Lee Berlinsky

BERLINSKY, ROBERT LEE, 80, of Kissimmee, died peacefully and surrounded by his family on January 11, 2004, after a long and courageous battle with heart disease. Born in Brooklyn, New York. He joined the Air Force in 1941, was stationed in Kissimmee in 1942 and was serving at Wokota Air Base in Japan in 1945 when General Douglas McArthur signed the peace treaty to end World War II. Bob Berlinsky never returned to New York. He met Eunice McLaughlin at a Kissimmee Community Center Dance and married her in 1946. They enjoyed 48 years together until her death in 1994. Bob remained in the Air Force as a Staff Sergeant until his Honorable Discharge in 1950. Bob and Eunice then helped Eunice's mother, Mrs. Alma McLaughlin, run Mrs. Mac's restaurant. In 1955, Bob became the manager of the Kissimmee Chamber of Commerce, and in 1970 he joined the City of Kissimmee, becoming Assistant City Manager in 1973 and held that post for 15 years, retiring in 1988. He became leader, mentor and friend to many of his staff, and the community who referred to him as "Mr. B". Over his lifetime Bob was an active member in the Kissimmee Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, Historical Society and the Silver Spurs. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite Bodies. In the 1960's, he originated the Miss Silver Spurs Pageant and for many years he was the master of Ceremonies for both the Silver Spurs Rodeo and Christmas parades. Bob was a follower of Jesus Christ and held a deep and abiding faith in the promise of redemption. A long time member of First Baptist Church of Kissimmee, he served as and usher and deacon. Preceded in death by his wife, Bob will be deeply missed by his daughter, Connie White of Orlando, his sons, and daughters-in-law, Reed and Suzie Berlinsky of St. Cloud and Jay and Kathy Berlinsky of Orlando, his six grandchildren, five great- grandchildren, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ruth and Milton Nettles of Kissimmee, nieces, nephews and many friends. Friends may call on the family for visitation 5-8PM, Tuesday, at Grissom Funeral Home. Graveside funeral services will be held 11AM, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004 in Rose Hill Cemetery with Rev. Harold Epperson and Rev. Tim Wilder, officiating. GRISSOM FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, Kissimmee, is in charge of arrangements. (407) 847-3131.