Born on May 24, 1949 in Los Angeles, California
Passed on March 13, 2026 in Melbourne, Florida
Robert “Bob” Smith, 76, of West Melbourne, Florida, passed away on March 13 at Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital with his loving family by his side.
Bob was born in Los Angeles, California, on May 24, 1949, the son of Wilbur and Dorothy Smith. He grew up in DeKalb, Illinois, graduated from DeKalb High School, and attended the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University (NIU).
Bob worked for the railroad for 38 years, beginning his career installing track ties for the Burlington Northern Railroad (now BNSF Railway). He rose through the ranks to become a brakeman, conductor, and finally a locomotive engineer serving both freight and passenger lines, a position he held until his retirement. A strong advocate for working people, he was also a union leader in Division 32 of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.
Bob and his wife of 53 years, Carol Smith (Christopher), built a life together in DeKalb and Sycamore, Illinois before retiring to West Melbourne, Florida, in 2013.
Bob maintained a lifelong commitment to physical fitness and loved sharing his knowledge and passion for training with others. A highlight of his years in the Melbourne area was participating in a fitness group known as “The Gym Orphans.” Through this group he formed many close friendships and greatly valued the camaraderie and shared commitment to staying active.
Outside the gym, Bob was an enthusiastic sports fan who would travel great distances to see his favorite teams play. He especially loved the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Blackhawks, Orlando City SC, and—most of all—his beloved NIU Huskies. His connection to NIU was especially meaningful because his father served as band director for the Huskies decades earlier and co-wrote the NIU Alma Mater.
Bob was passionate about good food, especially classic favorites. While in the Chicago area, for example, he would gladly drive two hours for what he considered the very best tavern-style pizza at Vito & Nick’s.
Bob loved trains from childhood and never lost his fascination with them. He was an enthusiast of historic trains and often traveled throughout Illinois to see vintage locomotives. He was also a devoted supporter of the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois.
Throughout his adult life, Bob championed causes consistent with his strong sense of social responsibility, beginning with his involvement in the “No Nukes” nuclear freeze movement in the 1970s. His and Carol’s tireless efforts to make a difference—right up to the end of his life—were an inspiration to friends and family alike, especially to the younger generation.
Bob will be remembered for his incredible work ethic, his disciplined commitment to physical fitness, his great sense of humor, his deep knowledge of current events, and his exceptional cooking skills. He was also known for his rare and refreshing candor—friends and family often joked that if you asked Bob a question, you had better be ready for the honest answer.
Bob is survived by his wife, Carol Smith; his daughters, Melanie Smith of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jacqueline Smith (Nick) of St. Charles, Illinois; his sister, Deborah Smith of Beaufort, South Carolina; his brother, Kevin Smith (Kali) of Bearsville, New York; his sister, Diana Smith of Chicago, Illinois; and his sister-in-law, Dawn Dovel of Palm Bay, Florida.
He is also survived by his nephews Ryan McClintock (Kristin), Andrew McClintock (Shannon), Max McClintock (Leslie), Josh Smith, and Christopher Charles (Alison).
Bob lived with integrity, spoke his mind, stood up for what he believed in, and never lost sight of the people who mattered most to him. He will be missed beyond measure.
No formal memorial service is planned. To share and comment on photo memories of Bob: Share memories
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of the following causes important to Bob:
George P. Burdell
from Atlanta, GA wrote on April 6, 2026:
You are forever missed on The Dog Pound NIU message board.
Arthur & Ronald Williams
from Aurora IL. wrote on March 23, 2026:
A pillar in all aspects of life R A will always be remembered as a
co-worker, local chairman, and bike rider. His presence in my life was a blessing from the most High!
Bill and Linda Wing
from Palm Bay wrote on March 23, 2026:
Linda and I met Bob and Carol just a little over a year ago at a meeting for democracy defenders. Bob lights up the room with his smile and was easy to talk to and share experiences. He cared about the underdog and fighting the injustices that occur in life. As mentioned by other Bob Smith fans he enjoyed food and when there was a Global Kitchen event at FIT University he would text us and save us a seat for the yummy food and rub elbows with the vibrant multicultural students. If there is a table of welcoming food in the heaven realms I am sure Bob is saving a seat for us there. Peace.
Julie Fazio
from Melbourne wrote on March 23, 2026:
Bob was one of the first people I met 4 years ago when I joined the group exercising at Ryckman Park. Bob was a compassionate soul and always made a point to say hello to everyone at class. When he started walking at Gleason, he always stopped to say hello to all of us individually by name. Any differences never bothered Bob. Bob was able to get along with others because he was able to get along with himself. Bob kept us informed of the FIT International dinners. He always made everyone feel welcome. I am truly blessed having had Bob as one of my friends. ✝️🙏
Carol Connolly
from Melbourne Beach wrote on March 19, 2026:
Bob was an amazing person. He was always upbeat and greeted me with a big smile on his face. He was a great workout buddy, always inspirational and pushing us to the next level. Bob was an attentive listener, always giving great advice. Helping us both solve all the worlds problems! I will miss you my friend.
Steve Roche
from Tarpon Springs Florida wrote on March 18, 2026:
Our friendship lasted over 50 years. Too many shared adventures to list, both good and bad. He was the ultimate sports fan. And that reconnected us after he and Carol retired to Florida. I was able to pry him away ' slightly' from his beloved Huskies and he became a great UCF fan. If there's a great stadium in the sky, I'm sure he'll be given box seats. Carry on Smith!!! High-ball!!!
Helen See
from Patterson new york wrote on March 18, 2026:
Helen See -From Patterson New , York March18th 2026. You First Came Into My Life Thanks To Our Dear Bob Saxon,Who Loved You Dearly.I Was So Grateful That We Stayed In Touch After Bob Passed Away. I know Bob welcomed you with open Arm’s ! You Were A very Special Person Bob , And I will Treasure The Memories. RIP SPECIAL ANGEL
Tim Delcavo
from Orlando wrote on March 18, 2026:
I was only lucky enough to know Bob and carol for 5 years or so, but as many people will say, we hit it off right away. I helped him and carol put in solar on their house in Melbourne and as a fellow environmentalist, we had lots to talk about. I think Bob would be okay if I said we also, in that same avenue, bitched together about life, sports and politics. As an extremely generous offering, he offered me some of the season tickets to UCF football to take my kids. What a great experience. It was an honor to have known and spent time with Bob… yes he will be missed l.
Holly Musselman
from Morton, IL wrote on March 18, 2026:
Dear Carol and Family, I am so very very sorry for your loss. Bob was a very special man - a devoted NIU fan for sure & that is how I came to meet him. We met through the NIU online fan forum years ago. He didn't know my actual name at the time as we all used avatars on the forum. I was "Huskiefootball Addict". The other fans on the forum didn't know I was a gal & I was keeping that under wraps. Seemed like the safe thing to do since this was an online group & none of us really knew each other. Bob invited me & my family to join his tailgate at NIU & I had to fess up to being a female. That didn't faze Bob - he welcomed me, my husband, & my 3 sons with open arms. When NIU went to the Orange Bowl in 2012, Bob included us in his group tickets purchase for the game on the 50 yard line & helped organize a fan forum tailgate in the Orange Bowl Stadium lot. That was an amazing event & we were all so proud to be there! After NIU mascot Diesel passed away, people on the forum were talking about how we could honor Diesel with a statue of some kind but we needed a small group to take on the project. I voluntered with Bob, Tom Bonnevier & Bob brought in artist Renee Bemis & later on Rick Radek to help. It took us 2 years but we made the sculpture happen with the help of many many fan donations & a lot of work from the Diesel Memorial Board of Directors. The sculpture was dedicated in October of 2017 at Northern Illinois University. There is a plaque with the sculpture that shows the names of the Board of Directors - Bob's name is there on that plaque for many many years to come. Testament to the devotion he had for mascot Diesel, his friend Tom Bonnevier, & NIU. I was proud to work with him on the Diesel project & proud to call him one of my NIU friends. He will be greatly missed. Keeping you all in my thoughts & extending my very very deepest sympathy. Holly Musselman "HuskieFootball Addict" and family
Liz Donaldson
from Baton Rouge wrote on March 18, 2026:
Bob was my workout buddy long before we became gym orphans! Bob was not only an exceptional athlete but also an inspiration to the rest of us. Bob would help motivate the group. Bob always was kind and thoughtful. We have stayed in touch even though I moved far away. We shared our political views and activities. Bob had a strong sense of right and wrong. I will miss his input and humor.
Daniel McGloin
from West Melbourne wrote on March 17, 2026:
What would you like people to know about Robert A.?
Bob Smith was the most honorable and generous man I ever met. I met Bob 15 years ago and we bonded instantly. I never loved a friend until I met Bob. I owe him and Carol debts I can never repay. He was always there for family and friends when they were in need. Bob was quite simply my hero. Goodbye my friend, you will be greatly missed. FLORIDA HUSKIE FOREVER!!!
Mar 16, 2026
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Born on May 24, 1949 in Los Angeles, California
