Robert S Gelles

Robert Samuel Gelles “Bob”, 89, passed peacefully from this world surrounded by his family on January 11, 2013. Bob was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Nathan and Jeannie Gelles and moved to Jacksonville with the navy in 1955. Mr. Gelles was a veteran of both WWII and the Korean Conflict, and a career navy man serving 20 years before retiring as a Chief Petty Officer in 1969. After retirement Bob worked with Service Realty Incorporated, a company he founded in 1963. He joined the Fleet Reserve Branch 126, and served his community as member of the Jacksonville Board of Realtors. Bob was a member of First Baptist Church.

Bob’s other interest were boating and rv-ing. He loved to travel and visit old and new locations. His community involvement’s also included The Jacksonville Sail and Power Squadron where he served as Past Commander, a Rear Commander and District Commander. Mr. Gelles was a long time member of San Jose Country Club, and served as Commodore at the San Jose Yacht Club.

Robert is predeceased by his wife of 52 years Toni Gelles. Survivors include his daughters Jeanette Hodges(Bill) and Charline Adams; his wife of 17 years Virginia Gelles. He is further survived by his sister Theresa Darivoff (Irv) five grandchildren, Sherry Nimmo (Tommy), Kathryn Horne (Danny), B.J. Hodges, Robert Adams (Sandra)and Nathan Adams; seven great-grandchildren, and six great great-grandchildren.

A Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 15, 2013 from 5-7 pm in Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Funeral Home, 4801 San Jose Blvd.

Funeral services will be in the chapel Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. with Reverend Garrett Conner officiating. Words of comfort may be left at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com

HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Boulevard is serving the family.