EAST BOSTON – Mr. Robert Milton Flanders 83, formerly of Gotha, Florida, died April 21, 2020 at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Born in Daytona Beach, Florida, to the late Edwin Sauls and M. Marguerite (Howard) Sauls. He was later adopted by the late James K. Flanders. He was raised and educated in Miami, Florida and was a graduate of Miami Edison Senior High School.
Bob worked in the communications field for more than fifty years. He began his career with Southern Bell Telephone Company in Miami, Florida and transferred to AT&T in Denver, Colorado in the early 1980’s. He retired from AT& T to return to Florida where he began his work with Vista Telecommunications at the Walt Disney Company. He retired from and enjoyed more than 20 years as a Disney cast member, where his family loved to visit him.
A long-time resident of Florida, Bob was devoted and committed to his faith and church community. He was an active member and Deacon of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Gotha, Florida. He volunteered with his church serving meals and more to the homeless and traveled on many mission trips in the U.S. and abroad. He was a beloved part of the fabric of the church community and many of his closest friendships were formed there. He found great fellowship, community and love from his church family.
He was an avid reader, lover of poetry, and a passionate University of Miami Hurricanes fan, who enjoyed golfing, fishing and traveling. He is remembered as a tall, imposing, man who was charming, funny and quirky and he made friends everywhere he went. He loved to tell stories and jokes. Bob lived life how he saw fit and would do the things he wanted and travel to the places he wanted to see whenever possible. He took pride in his Irish heritage and loved to visit New England later in life. He will be deeply missed.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Teresa Liddell of Henderson, NV, Kathleen Owen of Pembroke Pines, FL, Bonnie Morrissette of Concord, NH and Shannon Borthwick of Marblehead, MA, his sons, Robert Flanders Jr. of Atlanta, GA and Daniel Flanders of New Smyrna Beach, FL, his 13 grandchildren, his one great grandchild and nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late twin sisters, Edlyn Crabb and Marilyn Row.
ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral services are private. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell – Cremations – Funerals- Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) Salem. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, 1450 Citrus Oaks Ave, Gotha, Fl, 34734. Sharing written remembrances and condolences, during this time will be essential in helping Bob’s family reminisce, celebrate and heal. We encourage you to share your memories of Bob by visiting his eternal tribute at www.odonnellfuneralservice.com
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