Robert "Bob" Ware

Bob was born Dec. 2, 1929 in Savannah, GA to Jesse and Margarite Gattman Ware. He had a brother, Jesse Jr., and two sisters, Ann and Rita, all deceased.

He received education at Sacred Heart Elementary, Benedictine Cadets, and Armstrong Junior College. He graduated from Georgia Teachers College in Statesboro, GA where he met his future wife, Peggy J. Davis.

In 1951 Bob attended the Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. After graduation his first assignment was to Guam, Marianas Island. Upon his return stateside, he served aboard the destroyer U.S.S. McNair. He later was C.O. of a small Naval Station off the coast of Newport.

Bob left the Navy in 1956 and embraced civilian life with a career at IBM. He loved marketing, starting with the Office Products Division and eventually moved to National Accounts Division. He served many years as Team Leader on the CSX account. Bob retired after 38 happy years with the THINK company.

After retirement Bob taught at UNF’s College of Business. He was a demanding professor but numerous students have called to tell him of their successes. Bob established a consulting business in railroad technology and enjoyed traveling the world.

Bob was an avid church and community volunteer. He delivered Meals on Wheels and worked at a nursing home. He co-founded the Habijax “Wednesday Gang” and with fellow retirees helped build 1,500 homes for low income families. In his red suit and full natural white beard he played Santa for children’s organizations. He worked with River Keepers, assisted gathering materials for the Archives of the Diocese, and served as a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Family Catholic Church.

The NFL and the Jaguars honored Bob for his volunteerism by naming him “Volunteer Quarterback”, the Volunteer of the Year in 2005.

He really cared about being Irish! He had a saying, “There are two kinds of people in the world – those who are Irish and those who wish they were Irish”. He also had a sign that stated, “Life is short, eat dessert first”.

Bob was a loving family man. With his wife of 62 years, Bob and Peggy raised 8 children: Michael (Karen), Patrick (deceased), Stephen (Helen), David (Diana), Teresa, Rita (Luther), Ellen (Jim), and Margaret (Chance). The big boisterous group was involved in sports and Dad was always involved. He swam, sailed, shot off rockets, paddled and camped. He not only taught them to have fun but to serve others in need. The family hosted inner city kids and widened their world. He cared about his family, Faith and about others in need.

Bob’s seven children, four grandchildren, two step grandchildren, seven great grand children and his wife wish him Godspeed! We love you!

The funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Saturday, March 8 at 10:30 AM. Fr. Greg Fay will be the celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Food for the Poor, Inc., 550 SW 12th Avenue, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442.

Arrangements are under the care of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hardage-giddenshenddricksave.com.