Robert M. "Bob" Fischbeck

Robert M. “Bob” Fischbeck, 85, passed away peacefully June 1, 2009 at Penney Farms, Florida. He was born on March 13, 1924 in East Orange, New Jersey. He was the star 6’7” center on New Jersey’s 1940 State High School Championship basketball team and at Colgate University, where he graduated in 1948 after serving two years in the Army Air Corps in World War II. Bob married Madolyn (“Lyn”) Spedding of Clifford, Pennsylvania on September 18, 1948 and enjoyed 55 years of marriage before she passed away on June 4, 2004. He is survived by their five children: Jeff Fischbeck, a submarine commander; Sally Fischbeck, college mathematics professor; Nancy Feinstein, nursing professor and researcher; Susan Fischbeck, pediatrician, and Carol Fischbeck, marketing professional and educator. Bob and Lyn were very proud of them, their spouses and their seven grandchildren: Jamie, Leslie, Stephanie, Bryan, Connor, Angelo and Gavin. Bob’s many interests included golf, bridge, gardening, fishing, cooking, photography, basket weaving, as well as teaching others to enjoy all these pastimes. His last residence before coming to Penney Farms was Oneida, New York where he was the Vice President for Oneida Ltd. Silversmiths in charge of their Hotel Division. Bob and Lyn moved to the Penney Retirement Community on December 10, 1986. During his early years at PRC, Bob spent much time carrying for and improving the Golf Course. He was an excellent golfer and taught new residents to play golf as well as helping veteran players improve their game. Bob contributed photographs for the "Penney for Your Thoughts" newsletter, and for many years, filmed the Historical Society meetings for the town of Penney Farms. Bob and Lyn spent extended summers at the family farm in Clifford, Pennsylvania. A memorial service will be held at Penney Memorial Church at 2:00 PM, Friday June 5. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that gifts in his memory be made to the Penney Retirement Community Physical Rehabilitation Center or to the Community Hospice of Northeast Florida serving Penney Farms. Please sign the family’s online register book at www.broadusraines.com. Cremation Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000.