Robert passed away peacefully with his family beside him on March 26,2025. He was 86 years old. He is survived by his devoted wife, Judy Martinez Alderman; three sisters; two sons; two daughters ; six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Robert and Judy were married 64 years.
Robert was a proud retired Navy SeaBees and served in the South Pacific. He also was chosen to have the honor to serve at Camp David alongside President Eisenhower.
Robert also was the Chief Fire Alarm Electrician for the Tampa Fire Department. He maintained all fire stations and Tampa General Hospital. Robert was instrumental in forming the first burn unit within Tampa General Hospital. He also went on to help form the very first boot drive to collect money to go towards the burn unit at Tampa General Hospital.
Robert and his wife , Judy, were the parents to Tampa Bay Children’s Home and cared for 17 children and their two children.
Robert went on to serve as the first president of the Sertoma Club for the Tampa Fire Department and received the Service to Mankind award. He won the State of Florida and also the runner up to the Nationals. This was due to his work with the children’s home.
Robert also went on to serve as the past President of The Greater Tampa UtilitIes group. He lived a life of dignity and service to these beautiful life events and causes. He was a great humanitarian, very giving to all that knew him and a great man of integrity.
Robert lived his life with much love from everyone he met. He leaves a beautiful legacy of love in the faces of his family and those he touched even in the briefest encounters. Robert was surrounded with the love of his family in his final moments. There will be a celebration of life to honor his beautiful life soon.
What a legacy. Truly a great man who made a difference. Was always joking and just a pleasure to talk to and be around. Will truly be missed. RIP uncle Robert.
Wow, what a beautiful life he had. I was blessed to have been part of his family, your family. He will be missed by many.
I love you all, my thoughts and prayers for you all during this difficult time. Cecilia ❤️🙏🙏
What a great man and just knowing he made a difference in this world. Loved all the time I spent with him and the family.Just wish it could have been a little longer. You will be missed by all of us but we know you are with the Lord now . Love and miss you always.
While many strive to do good deeds in life most fail to reach significant impact.My Uncle Robert was one of the those few. Perfection eludes us all in the chaos that is life , we can only hope to make a little headway or simply hold fast against the evil forces that work against us. It is an honor to know my Uncle , the last of the strong brothers who lived life to its full potential.
Having met Robert a few times I was fortunate to experience his sense of humor and astute intellect during our conversations. He was warm and present each time I met him. The man was clearly a force. Big love to the family as he will be missed by many.
Beautiful words to honor a life well lived! Uncle Robert we will miss your humor, laughter and love! What precious memories I have growing up surrounded by aunts and uncles! Uncle Robert you were the best of the best! Love you always!
I miss you so much dad. You have left a beautiful legacy of love in your family. Life will never be the same without you. I will miss hearing your Navy stories and Fire Department stories…. What I wouldn’t give to hear them one more time. You loved to tell stories! Everyone who met you loved you…. You had an infectious personality that drew people to you. You would be proud of Carmelita… she hugs me when I cry and tells me she loves me when I need to hear it most. Gary is my rock and God knows how much he misses you too. Carmelita held your hand until you took your last breath and I know you know her love for you is unlike any bond I have ever seen. Her paw paw was her person and thank you for giving her so much love and touching her life in such a beautiful way. My heart hurts with your loss but I know you are happy and watching over us all. I love you dad.