Robert F. Edic

1945 - 2024

Robert F. "Bob" Edic, born on June 22, 1945, passed away on July 21, 2024, at his home in Gulf Cove, FL. He was surrounded by his loving family, with his final days filled with love and cherished memories. In Bob's words, he sincerely appreciated all the kindness and memories shared, hearing the eulogy while still alive to know about it certainly has some advantages.

Bob was born to Gerald and Rita Edic in Newburgh, New York. After his father returned from serving in World War II, the family settled in Newburgh, where Bob enjoyed many adventures along the Hudson River and graduated from Newburgh Free Academy.

In 1964 Bob and Linda met at a parade. He was playing a fife with the Continental Drum Corp and Linda was in the Color Guard of a modern band. They loved marching in parades and did so together with the Civil War Troopers for many years.

Bob Edic married Linda in 1966, while he was serving his country as a Sergeant in the US Air Force. Bob and Linda started their family shortly after they married, then he was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War where he serviced jet airplanes. While serving overseas Bob enjoyed learning about other cultures which inspired him to focus his studies on Anthropology. Through the GI Bill he was the first in his family to earn a college degree. Bob received a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY New Paltz focusing on Anthropology.

Bob's life work had many talents he applied his mechanical skills as the owner of "Think Volvo" auto shop in New York. Then in the late 1970s, he and his family moved to Florida after falling in love with Boca Grande. Initially living at Cole Island campground, they later moved to the Boca Grande Fish House, where he learned from Tommy and Mary Parkinson about the lives of commercial fishermen. The Edic's also lived in the historic "Hotel Hell" while studying Big Mound Key and the Calusa Indians, observing the connections between the Calusa Fisherfolk and the Fisherfolk of Charlotte Harbor.

Through grants from the University of Florida and Lee County, Bob worked with the Randell Research Institute on Pineland, educating over 6,000 school children about the Calusa Indians and Big Mound Key. He conducted oral histories and authored "The Fisherfolk of Charlotte Harbor, FL." Bob served as the archivist for the Boca Grande Historical Society for over 20 years, co-authoring "One Island, Three Hometowns" and contributing many of his photos to the Historical Society displays. He also created several displays for the Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum and was a founding member of the Barrier Island Parks Society (BIPS). His work on the Boca Grande Commercial Fishing industry is featured at the University of Florida's Florida Museum of Natural History, where islanders and his grandchildren take pride in his contributions. Bob's life was dedicated to sharing history, alongside his devotion to his family.

Bob is survived by his wife, Linda Edic; daughter, Dr. Darlene Edic Dempsey (Ron); son, Dennis Edic (Melissa); grandchildren, Cassie Edic, Travis, Aaron, Collin, and Catrina Crawford; and great-granddaughter, Isla Crawford. He is also survived by his brother, Douglas Edic (Rosario), and nieces, Jennifer and Stephanie. Preceding him in death were his grandson, Dylan Edic, his sister, Carol, and his parents. Bob's life was cut short by colon cancer, and his family encourages everyone to listen to their bodies, follow healthcare advice, and stay up to date on preventive care.

Bob was profoundly moved by the impact of his book, "The Fisherfolk of Charlotte Harbor, FL," on the local community. Although the book has been out of print for several years, it is his and his family's hope that a reprint can be arranged to share this rich history with new generations. A fund is being set up and will be announced in the near future.

The family will have a celebration of life in the fall.