Robert C. Wapinsky's Obituary
Robert C. Wapinsky, 90, of Punta Gorda, Florida passed away March 6, 2020 at the Tidewell Hospice House in Port Charlotte. He was born January 13, 1930 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania to Clayton and Mary (nee Gustitus) Wapinsky.
After graduating from St. Clair High School in 1947, Bob joined the Navy in 1950 serving on the USS Bon Homme Richard CV-31 until his honorable discharge, after being injured, in 1952. He was proud of his military service and remained a life member of the Amvets.
He owned and operated Wapinsky Brothers Gulf station in Pottsville, Pennsylvania from 1953 to his retirement in 1977. He then moved to Punta Gorda, Florida in 1987, where he enjoyed playing golf, going to the beach and spending time with his best friend Ed.
He is survived by his wife, Michelina “Mickey” (nee Modesto) Wapinsky, whom he would have celebrated 64 years of marriage, on April 11, 2020. Their children, Michele Rowsie (John), Christine Buggy (Martin), Robert Wapinsky, Jr. (Georgine) and Patricia Salem (John), 10 grandchildren, Jennifer, Jessica, Charles IV, Kristen, Leslie, Raelyn, Melissa, Robert III, John Jr, and Chelsea and 9 great grandchildren, Alyssa, Briana, Angelina, Stella, Sydney, Reese, Jack, Demi, Cooper and two great grandbabies on the way, due late summer! More than anything Bob loved his wife and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren & great grandchildren. He was the back bone of the family, and will be missed dearly by all. A Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00pm till 6:00pm, Thursday March 12, 2020 at the Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, 635 E Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Friday, March 13, 2020 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 211 W Charlotte Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Burial will follow with military honors at the Royal Palm Memorial Gardens in Punta Gorda on Jones Loop Road. The family welcomes flowers, but has also requested memorial donations in Robert’s name to the Ronald McDonald House, Tampa Bay who were so wonderful and gave great assistance to the family in years past. You can go online to; https://rmhctampabay.org/donate/ or mail your donation to RMHC Tampa Bay, 35 Davis Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606 with a note that it is in memory of Robert Wapinsky.
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