Roy Brian Aerts

a native of St. Petersburg, passed away Wednesday, November 21, 2018. He dedicated his life to teaching the youth of Florida.

Roy received a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from the University of Miami. He also added certifications in teaching at the University of South Florida and St. Leo University. After graduation, he taught Special Education in Sarasota and then moved to Largo where he was Band Director of the Largo High School Band of Gold and Associate Director of the Community Band of Gold. He traveled abroad to find his roots. He also traveled with the Band of Gold abroad helping his students explore the world. He later taught for many years at Meadowlawn Middle School in St. Petersburg and retired in 2008 after 37 years of teaching in the public school system. He was nominated many times for Teacher of the Year and was considered one of the outstanding educators of Pinellas County.

Roy attended Our Savior Lutheran Church in St. Petersburg. He was Church Sexton working with the Altar Guild, Ushers, and Pastors, and was a Lay Minister to shut-ins and residents of Bay Tree Assisted Living. During his time at the church, he was always looking for a way to contribute his experience. He missed teaching and working with students. So once again, for nearly eight years, he enjoyed teaching at the Middle School at Our Savior. In later years, he shared these many aspects of the ministry with his companion, Dotti.

Roy is remembered as a man of integrity and of his word, and full of love for the Lord, who was always his focus. He was graced with a special gift for teaching. His students respected him and often returned to tell him how he had made a difference in their lives through his encouragement to learn and achieve anything they wanted.

He was a dedicated son to his mother and father. He loved his teaching, his family, and his companion, Dotti. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and remembered fondly by his cousins, Roberta Stevenson and husband, Robert Stevenson, Jeanne Olivier, and Calvin Vaughn; also by his companion and good friend, Dotti Porath; her children and grandchildren.

All friends and neighbors are welcome at his Celebration of Life which will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church on Saturday, December 8 at 10:00 a.m. The church is located at 301 58th Street South, in St. Petersburg, Florida. After the service, refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall. A private interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery where he will rest in peace beside his loving parents, maternal grandparents, and maternal aunt and uncle.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to All Children's Hospital. Condolences may be shared at: www.andersonmcqueen.com.