Robert Longfellow passed away at home on December 10, 2022 from heart failure.

He was born on November 6, 1949 to Kathleen and Robert Longfellow in Columbus, Ohio – “in the shadow of Ohio Stadium”, as he always used to say. A larger than life, gregarious personality, his smile was wide and his laugh rich and easy. He could talk to anyone and delighted in talking himself out of trouble.

A self described “car guy”, he loved to drive, loved Corvettes, loved going fast, and loved pushing it. When driving his ‘66 Corvette with side pipes, you could hear him from a mile away. Some of his earliest memories were of his Dad’s car and one of his regrets was a ‘67 Shelby Cobra he could have purchased but didn’t.

He grew up traveling the world with his mother, Kathleen, a TWA executive. A common summer included taking his family and mother on a trip to see the world. He returned many times to San Francisco, Vancouver, and Italy, which he especially loved.

He enjoyed a 32 year career at GMAC, starting in the mailroom and climbing to regional manager. His work took him and his family from Fort Myers up the East coast, to Orlando, Pennsylvania, New York, and ending in New Hampshire. He retired in 2002 and moved back down to Fort Myers. Robert and Jan built their retirement home on the Caloosahatchee. Robert spent many hours on the back patio looking at the river, watching the boats pass and soaking in the beauty.

His marriage to Janice lasted 37 years until her death from ALS in 2009. Their marriage started seemingly on a whim but developed into a deep partnership that weathered ups and downs while fostering a loving household.

He was predeceased by his mother, Kathleen, his father, Robert and his wife, Janice Longfellow. He is survived by his half-brother George, his sons, David (Janie), and Steven (Emily), and grandchildren Adam, Avery and Connor.  

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