Robert Middleton

Robert C. Middleton of Venice, Florida passed away unexpectedly on February 7, 2021. He was affectionately known by many as Bob and also known by the nickname ""Smiley"" because of his cheery disposition on life. Born on February 27, 1959 to Kenneth and Virginia Middleton in Danville, Virginia. Bob was one of five children. After graduating from school, Bob's love of food culture led him to work as a chef at many restaurants in Richmond, Virginia eventually opening several of his own throughout the years. He independently published River City Restaurant Review, a food review magazine in Richmond, VA. His culinary and people skills left behind a wonderful reputation that has him known up and down the East Coast. Later in 2015, Bob relocated to Florida. He shared time with his father, Kenneth, during his final days. Briefly Bob cherished sharing a home with his loving big brother Edward ""Les"" Middleton. Les showed unconditional love and support to Bob in his final years as his friend, confident, and big brother. Once in Florida Bob took joy in working a food truck at Florida Southern collage. Finally, he went on to work for Bob's Carpet in Venice. On family vacation as a boy Bob fell in love with the ocean. His entire life he knew he wanted to live near the sea. In Venice, you could always find him by the water. One of Bob's favorite things to do each year was to go to the different local beaches during hatching season and watch the baby turtles return to the ocean. Bob had a direct relationship with God, finding the sublime in natural beauty. He found peace in watching the sunset each night over the ocean. Bob is survived by his loving daughter Aaron Middleton Webb of Henrico, Virginia. He also leaves behind his four siblings: Douglas (Brenda) Middleton of Glen Allen, Virginia, Edward (Loredana) Middleton of The Villages, Florida, Lisa Middleton of Barton, Florida, and Kenneth P. Middleton of Fredericksburg, Virginia. He is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth R. and Virginia C. Middleton. A Celebration of Life at Sea will be held in Bob's honor later in June of 2021. For more information, please contact Edward Middleton by email at [email protected].