Robert P. Sackett

Robert Patterson Sackett passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of April 24, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Harriett, son, Robert Houck Sackett (Sue), daughter Carol Sackett Paton (Al). Robert was predeceased by his grandson, Robert Sackett Paton in 2009 and is survived by 5 grandchildren; Holly, Heidi, Jacci, Matthew and Heather, and 12 great grandchildren. Born March 26, 1923 in Corning, N.Y. to Bert and Hazel Sackett, he married his childhood sweetheart, Harriett Houck, in 1943. Bob graduated from Fredonia State Teacher's College, New York in 1946 with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and completed a Master's in Administration from the University of South Florida in Tampa in 1972. His 36 year teaching career began in the state of New York (1946) and continued in 1958 in Pinellas County, Florida. Bob was the vocal music teacher at Mirror Lake Jr. High School from 1958 to 1960, vocal music teacher and dean of boys at Clearwater High School from 1960 to 1971, and the guidance counselor/registrar at Largo Middle School until 1985. An avid fisherman and hunter from the time he was a young boy, Bob also loved sports and spent many wonderful hours watching the Rays, the Bucs, the Seminoles and the Gators. He and Harriett enjoyed many years of traveling around the country in their motor homes, and also loved to take cruises. The most memorable was a trip to the Holy Lands where they renewed their wedding vows at Cana on their 55th anniversary. Bob's life was always filled with music. He sang in Barbershop quartets and directed Barbershop choruses in N.Y. and Clearwater. He also directed the Clearwater community chorus and was the cantor for the Temple Bethel Jewish Synagogue in St. Petersburg. He was a soloist and director at Christ Methodist Church from 1958-1963 and Pasadena Community Church from 1963-1989. For many of the past 10 years at Lake Seminole Square he led the weekly Vespers service, directed the chorus and served on the scholarship committee and the Resident Advisory Council, for which he was president in 2007. Bob was a man of gentle strength, humble pride, profound wisdom, unwavering faith and abiding love for his wife and family. A video presentation will begin at 1:30pm with a service to follow at 2pm on Monday, July 28, 2014 at Pasadena Community Church. In Lieu of Flowers, gifts may be given in Robert's name to The Pasadena Choir (c/o Pasadena Community Church. 227 70th St. So. St. Petersburg, Florida. 33707) or the Lake Seminole Square Scholarship Fund (c/o Lake Seminole Square. 8333 Seminole Blvd. Seminole, Florida 33772)