Robert "Rob" Jackson

It is with great sadness we share the passing of Rob Jackson, in his sleep, on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the age of 60. He was born and raised in Hicksville, he would say he is forever a conservative New Yorker, though he lived here in Orlando for the past 39 years. He had suffered many personal losses over the past few years, but he wanted to continue pressing on and to continue to be a stronghold for his family and friends.

As an avid sports enthusiast, he played several sports in his youth. He was a diehard Jets fan, along with the Mets, Orlando Magic and the UCF Knights, he

attended or watched many games routing for his teams. He coached the Orlando Sharks basketball team, along with baseball, and flag football teams for ten years or more. Rob was known to be a fair and caring coach, it wasn’t just for the thrill of the game, but the teamwork and self-esteem of the players. He was a sponsor parent for the Freedom High School Bowling team, transporting and supporting many of the players. He loved listening to 70’s & 80’s rock music and could often be found in the car or poolside with a speaker jamming to his favorite songs. He was an avid concert attendee, always with plans to go to a concert or see a live band. He loved all aspects of his family, forever planning trips with them. He enjoyed traveling for work with co-workers or vacation trips with his wife, children, and friends. Exploring places, like Paris, England, Germany, Canada, Georgia, New York, California, Arizona, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Hawaii was always on his agenda. “Where are we going next?”, or “what’s the agenda?” were common questions.

Rob was a great communicator. He could text you, call you, call you again and leave you a message and then send you an email, all within 5 minutes. Wanting to include everyone that had a reason, need or desire to be involved, leaving no one out. While visiting Hicksville, his hometown, he constantly reached out to keep in contact and meet up with friends new and old. Networking is something he excelled in.

He worked for the Walt Disney Company for 38+ years and helped open several of the parks including Animal Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, and Shanghai Disney. Recently he was working on the Wish and Treasure cruise ships. He worked with honor and integrity, respecting all parties involved, searching for solutions and solving problems. He was immensely proud of the company he worked for and the work he produced. Always aiming to give his best, day or night, workday or weekend.

He has left a big hole in our hearts and our lives. He knew he was loved and respected, and we know he loved us with his whole big heart. He was a man that cared deeply and acted to help in any way he could.

He is pre-deceased by his Nana Jean Rutig, father and mother Robert and Jean Jackson, in-laws William and Frances Booth and Kathy Lindsey, Niece Danielle

Jackson, and son Bobby Jackson. Rob is survived by his wife Peggy Jackson, daughter Rebecca Jackson, stepsons Jon (Bailey) Hartle, Brian (Katie) Hartle. Sisters Jean (Brian) Van Dyke, Anne (Thomas) Sexton, brother Michael (Kelly) Jackson, and in-laws Keith Lindsey and Linda Koons. Nieces and nephews Jamie (Nick) Burch, Mary Sexton, Thomas M. Sexton, Jean Sexton, Brian and Kevin Jackson, in-laws Kory (Adam) Smith and Kara (Ben) Klough, and grandchildren Jace and Hayden Hartle.

A public visitation for Robert will be held Monday, January 22, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM at St. James Catholic Cathedral, 215 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. An interment will occur Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734.