Robert Emmett Cockroft, 75, of Lakewood Ranch, Fla., passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021.
Robert was born Sept. 12, 1946, in Butler. He attended Butler High School and Butler County Community College.
He served in the U.S. Navy, from 1964 through 1970. He served one tour of duty in Vietnam.
He worked at Butler Armco Steel, until he retired in 2000 as an area manager for the stainless division. He then worked at NexTier Bank for a period of time. He left Butler in 2011 to live in Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
Bob served his country proudly, and spent decades honoring those who served before and after him. He also ensured those around him, family and friends, knew what it meant to serve and how important service is for all of us.
He was very active with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 214 in Butler, and, more recently Post 3233 in Sarasota, Fla. He served in these two posts as the junior and senior vice commander, the house committee chairman, the chaplain and was a member of the honor guard. He was devoted to serving fellow vets.
He was a friend to everyone he met, and could always be counted on to bring cheer to anyone's day with his bright smile and charm. He knew everyone's name, especially those most people would pay no mind. He was always able to be positive in any situation.
There was nothing he couldn't accomplish through hard work and determination. He was able to repair anything, from broken cars, to broken hearts and everything in between. He shared skills and knowledge with his friends and family, and was truly a mentor by nature. He was a true sailor, a great human being, and an even better Pap.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Allen; their four children, Aaron Cockroft, Christian Cockroft, Caroline Roxberry and Kristen (Jubal) Slivka; seven grandchildren, Madigan, Cameron, Zachary, Ethan, Sophia, Neva and Noam; his sister, Mary (David) Shulik; several nephews and nieces; as well as great-nephews and great-nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. and Helen Cockroft; and his sister, Linda Cockroft Allen.
COCKROFT - A gathering for Robert Emmett Cockroft, who died Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home, Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave., Sarasota, Fla.
A memorial service will follow at noon Saturday with military honors provided by the VFW 3233 Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sunshine Post 3233, 124 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237.
Please visit www.palmsmemorial.com.