Robert Adolph Cattarius

Lakeland - Robert (BobCat) Cattarius passed away Thursday, January 17, 2019, at home surrounded by loving family following years of health challenges. He was born in Newport News, VA, June 17, 1936 to Otto and Genevieve Cattarius. His father’s Air Force career took them to many US cities as well as England and Germany. He entered Valley Force Military Academy at age 12 and graduated in 1955. He served in the Army, then went on to Florida Southern College, where he was involved in many organizations, including Kappa Sigma fraternity, where he made so many lifelong friends. Upon graduation in 1964 he worked for Publix for ten years until multiple leg surgeries left him unable to be on his feet for long hours. He then went to work for the Florida Citrus Commission as New England Regional Manager, and upon returning to Florida in 1980 worked for Seald Sweet Co-Op and Jay Nichols Produce before forming his own produce brokerage BobCat Produce. Following retirement in 2005, he was ready to work again and joined the Home Shopper, where he enjoyed working with so many realtors who became great friends. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Nancy McHan Cattarius, his daughters Catherine Walker, Janie Toole and Elisa Holmes (Tim), grandchildren Kevin (Ashley) and Trent Walker, Cullen and Ettele Toole, Alex, Oakley and Jolie Holmes. Bob was larger than life and loved people and animals, especially cats. He volunteered with the SPCA helping raise funds for the many needs of the animals. A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 27, at Annie Pfeiffer Chapel at Florida Southern College, 1085 Johnson Avenue, Lakeland, at 3 PM. Memorials may be made to SPCA, 5850 Brannen Rd. S., Lakeland , 33813. . PDF created