Robert Lee DeBellis

Robert Lee DeBellis, of Pompano Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully during the morning of April 1, 2016 after an eight month battle with cancer. He was 69 years old. Bob was born on February 12, 1947 in Columbus, Ohio. He was the 2nd child of 4 to Joseph and Alma DeBellis of Italian decent. He was active in the military: US Marine Corp Reserve from 1966-1972. His Occupation was as an Electrical Supply Sales Representative. Robert was preceded in death by his mother Alma DeBellis. Robert is survived by his wife Marie; his daughter Amy, son Thomas; grandchildren Ava & Jude; father Joseph; brother Joseph; sister Carolyn; and brother Rick. Early on he showed a love for all sports, but especially Baseball. Much of his childhood was spent in Ohio, playing baseball in the alley with his siblings and neighborhood crew. They would all pack lunches and ride bikes exploring places they were not supposed to be. During the summer, Robert lived at the public pool, snacking on hot dogs and taffy. He and his siblings would travel to West Virginia to visit their great-grandmother; roaming the woods shooting bb guns and picking apples. During his adolescence, Robert enjoyed working at his father’s gas station meeting all of the interesting characters who waltzed in on a Sunday afternoon. Fast cars and harmless pranks fueled his excitement. Although he attended college, Robert really learned the most from experience and listening to the stories of others. Robert was a collector of many things from coins to comics and baseball cards. He had a love of history and a knack for turning ‘old junk’ into useful working parts. He was most at peace near the water. Fishing was a life-long passion and although he frequently fished in tournaments he most enjoyed catching and cooking fish to share with his family and friends. To say Robert was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather is an understatement. He always made sure his family was safe and supported. His unique creativity resulted in some amazing science fair projects for his children and fun art for his grandchildren- from making trains out of boxes, to wonders out of wood. Robert would be the first to help out a stranger, friend, or neighbor and donated to organizations like Habitat for Humanity. Creating homes for less fortunate people was always a goal for him. Robert would always mention how he wished churches would allow the homeless people to sleep there at night. Robert was active in the ‘Men’s Club’ at St. Coleman’s Church. It was there that he met his dearest and lifelong friends. He made sure the Italian Festival didn’t go up in smoke; always double checking the wiring. Practical jokes and nicknames were always on his agenda, and he always knew how to make people laugh. It is quite poetic that he left us on April Fool’s Day. The Service for Robert DeBellis will be held on Friday, April 8th, 2016 from 4pm-7pm. Kraeer Funeral Home & Cremation Center: 200 North Federal Highway Pompano Beach, FL 33062 Phone: 954-941-4111. His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations are sent to Habitat for Humanity.