Robert A. "Bob" Smith

Robert "Bob" Smith, 76, of West Melbourne, Florida, passed away on March 13 at Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital with his loving family by his side.

Bob was born in Los Angeles, California, on May 24, 1949, the son of Wilbur and Dorothy Smith. He grew up in DeKalb, Illinois, graduated from DeKalb High School, and attended the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University (NIU).

Bob worked for the railroad for 38 years, beginning his career installing track ties for the Burlington Northern Railroad (now BNSF Railway). He rose through the ranks to become a brakeman, conductor, and finally a locomotive engineer serving both freight and passenger lines, a position he held until his retirement. A strong advocate for working people, he was also a union leader in Division 32 of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

Bob and his wife of 53 years, Carol Smith (Christopher), built a life together in DeKalb and Sycamore, Illinois before retiring to West Melbourne, Florida, in 2013.

Bob maintained a lifelong commitment to physical fitness and loved sharing his knowledge and passion for training with others. A highlight of his years in the Melbourne area was participating in a fitness group known as "The Gym Orphans." Through this group he formed many close friendships and greatly valued the camaraderie and shared commitment to staying active.

Outside the gym, Bob was an enthusiastic sports fan who would travel great distances to see his favorite teams play. He especially loved the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Blackhawks, Orlando City SC, and-most of all-his beloved NIU Huskies. His connection to NIU was especially meaningful because his father served as band director for the Huskies decades earlier and co-wrote the NIU Alma Mater.

Bob was passionate about good food, especially classic favorites. While living in the Chicago area, for example, he would gladly drive two hours for what he considered the very best tavern-style pizza at Vito & Nick's.

Bob loved trains from childhood and never lost his fascination with them. He was an enthusiast of historic trains and often traveled throughout Illinois to see vintage locomotives. He was also a devoted supporter of the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois.

Throughout his adult life, Bob championed causes consistent with his strong sense of social responsibility, beginning with his involvement in the "No Nukes" nuclear freeze movement in the 1970s. His and Carol's tireless efforts to make a difference-right up to the end of his life-were an inspiration to friends and family alike, especially to the younger generation.

Bob will be remembered for his incredible work ethic, his disciplined commitment to physical fitness, his great sense of humor, his deep knowledge of current events, and his exceptional cooking skills. He was also known for his rare and refreshing candor-friends and family often joked that if you asked Bob a question, you had better be ready for the honest answer.

Bob is survived by his wife, Carol Smith; his daughters, Melanie Smith of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jacqueline Smith (Nick) of St. Charles, Illinois; his sister, Deborah Smith of Beaufort, South Carolina; his brother, Kevin Smith (Kali) of Bearsville, New York; his sister, Diana Smith of Chicago, Illinois; and his sister-in-law, Dawn Dovel of Palm Bay, Florida.

He is also survived by his nephews Ryan McClintock (Kristin), Andrew McClintock (Shannon), Max McClintock (Leslie), Josh Smith, and Christopher Charles (Alison).

Bob lived with integrity, spoke his mind, stood up for what he believed in, and never lost sight of the people who mattered most to him. He will be missed beyond measure.

No formal memorial service is planned.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of the following causes important to Bob:

Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Forida
Illinois Railway Museum
Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation