Robert J. "Bob" Pharis

Robert J. (Bob) Pharis, 91, died on May 19, 2015 at Superior Residences of Lecanto, where he had resided for the past two years. He was born on July 27, 1923, in Waterloo, Iowa. Bob was raised in Minneapolis and married Lydia (Blaha) on July 24, 1943. Lydia preceded him in death In February of 2012. Also recently preceding him in death on May 5th, was his son, James Robert Pharis, in Tennessee. Bob served in the US Navy for two years during WWII as a Seabee stationed on Attu in the Aleutian Islands. After the war, he attended GM Institute (now Kettering University) in Flint, MI, and began his long association with General Motors. Initially, Bob worked as a Buick Service Manager in Anderson, IN for 5 years. In 1953 he was assigned Zone Service Manager with United Motors Service in Indianapolis. In 1957 He moved to the Central Office in the GM Building in Detroit, continuing with several assignments in the Service Section, before joining the Service Research Staff at the GM Tech Center, retiring in 1980. In the Fall of 1980, he and Lydia moved Sugarmill Woods, where they had vacationed since the mid 70’s. They were near to becoming charter members of the SMW Club, and also St. Thomas Catholic Church. Bob began a second career in Real Estate Sales, and became active in the local Kiwanis club, serving as President and Lieutenant Governor. He also served as President of the GM Retirees Club of Citrus County. He is survived by two children: Dan Pharis (Tammy) of Detroit, MI and Diane Singer (Paul) of Port Washington, WI; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Grandjean of Minneapolis, MN. Friends will be received on Wed., May 27, 2015 from 1:00 to 1:30 P.M. at Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, where a chapel service will be held at 1:30 P.M. with Fr. Ronald Marecki officiating. Entombment will follow at Fountains Memorial Park, Homosassa. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast, P.O. Box 641270, Beverly Hills, FL 34465 www.wilderfuneral.com