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Roy Aerts Obituary

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tampa Bay Times from Nov. 25 to Dec. 2, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Roy Aerts

Not sure what to say?





Dusty Durst

November 19, 2019

Hard to believe that Roy's been gone a year, I think about him every time my own past comes up. He really was a joy to know and work with and will always be missed.

Street Painting downtown St. Pete, Sept. 5, 2016

December 5, 2018

I know that you are in the hands of the Lord, Roy. However, words cannot express the loss that I feel.
Love always, Dotti

Dorothy DePierre

December 2, 2018

May you R.I.P.Roy

November 30, 2018

Sorry for your loss. "May the god of all comfort," (2 Co 1:3) be with you in your time of grief .

November 30, 2018

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief and may Almighty God and his son Jesus Christ bless and comfort your family in this time of sorrow. John 17:3

Edythe Jones

November 29, 2018

Omg. Mr Aerts was my band teacher at Meadowlawn Middle. Very good teacher. He will be missed. Its been some years but i still remember like it was yesterday. Wow. My prayers go out to the family.

Dorothy DePierre

November 29, 2018

So sorry to see Roy has passed away,my father Harry Breckenridge,taught Roy as a young man,I remember his parents,how dedicated he was to them and what a wonderful man he became, during his time with Largo High School he was so dedicated to his music students,may his many friends find comfort in knowing that Roy is now at peace.may the peace of the Lord be with you always,Sincerely,Dottie Breckenridge

Dusty Durst

November 27, 2018

Roy and I shared an apartment for nearly two years back in the Band of Gold days. He was a great friend, an accomplished musician, a dedicated teacher and a good guy. He will be missed, RIP old friend!! Dusty Durst

Debbie Whitmill Schroeder

November 26, 2018

So sad to hear of Mr Aerts passing. He was an inspiration to so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.

November 26, 2018

Mr. Aerts was my middle school band director at Meadowlawn Middle school(78-80). His encouragement and dedication is one of the driving forces that kept me in music through high school. I am so appreciative of that - music brought so many incredible people into my life. The appreciation for music was such a gift Mr. Aerts passed on to me.
My condolences to his loved ones and many friends.

JKH-JW

November 26, 2018

My sincerest condolences to the Aerts Family in the loss of your loved one, Roy Brian, and pray you find comfort in Psalms 91:2.

George Morrow

November 26, 2018

George Morrow

November 26, 2018

Mr. Aerts was one of my music teachers in the late 70s, he helped me rise to the Band of Gold from the 9th grade band within my first of Largo High School, it would have not been possible without him. A strange feeling came over my body when I read about his passing. It made me think, has it really been that long ago? Yes, it has. We really don't think about the people in the past who shaped our lives to get where we are today until they pass. You may be gone, but your memory will live within those of us who knew you until the last of us has come to join you. Heaven is a better place with you, but the world is not without you. You will be missed. Now rest in peace, you've earned it.

William Renfroe

November 25, 2018

I'm so sad to hear of Roy's passing. I worked with Roy in the Fine Arts Department at Largo in the mid 70's while he was associate Band Director. I found him to be a fine teacher, a good friend, and dedicated musician! You will be missed Roy

MM

November 25, 2018

My Condolences! As you reflect on the loving memory of Roy, may the words at Ps 37:29 bring you some comfort during this difficult time.

Barbara McCalister

November 25, 2018

Roy was an excellent teacher.I worked with him for a number of years with the Largo Band of Gold. He helped the kids and really cared about them.

Laurie Wilkowski Galle

November 25, 2018

As a student of his at Largo High School in the late 70s I remember his open door policy. There was a big blue chair n his office for kids to sit in when we needed a listening ear.

November 25, 2018

An encouraging teacher and a mentor to many of us in the Blue Band. Thanks for being there when I needed you.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

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Memorial Events
for Roy Aerts

Dec

8

Celebration of Life

10:00 a.m.

Our Savior Lutheran Church

301 58th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL

Funeral services provided by:

Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home

2201 Dr. MLK St. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704

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