Robert "Bobby" Schlegel

Robert ‘Bobby’ Schlegel passed away of natural causes on June 15, 2023 at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Bobby was welcomed into the world on the Fourth of July, 1969 with great joy. His mother was Genevieve Schlegel and his father Robert Arthur Schlegel. Bobby was the youngest of 12 cousins in a warm, energetic and loving family in Chicago, Illinois. He spent his first years there, moving to Clearwater when he became of school age. He had a happy childhood, and his athletic abilities led him to early success as a soccer player in youth leagues and later in high school. He was recruited by Spartanburg Methodist College, where he joined the soccer team as a goalie. He followed soccer throughout his life and even enjoyed attending Clearwater High School games in recent years, enjoying cheering today’s youngsters on. Bobby found success in a career in hotel management, early managing a series of Hampton Inn properties, where he was recognized for his hard work and attention to quality property maintenance. He had an idea to adapt waffle makers for customer breakfast use, engaging with a manufacturer to create the waffle makers widely used in hotels today. He later managed several regional chains of economy hotels, ultimately serving as Regional Manager for Jameson Hospitality, LLC. In later years, Bobby returned to Clearwater to live with his parents during the last years of their lives, and to address challenging health issues. He was appreciated for providing tech help and companionship for his elderly condo neighbors, as well as for his kindly manner, and for his love of family. He was loved and cared for by the members of Grace Lutheran Church for whom he felt much love and gratitude. “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21 A family memorial will take place on a future date. Bobby and his gentle manner and soft chuckle will be missed.