Last week was a sad one for the Sarasota YMCA Sharks, as they lost one of the great men in the sport of swimming. Coach Bob, as he was affectionately known, had one of the most interesting histories of anybody that you’d ever meet: from 28 years spent as an FBI investigator to participation in the 1964 Judo Olympic Trials, and Masters National Records in both swimming and track. He was a huge supporter of the Special Olympics, and put his heart and soul into working with children.
Please take this chance remember the good people in our sport, and tell them how much you appreciate them now, before it’s too late.
Dr. Robert A. Voege
Robert “Coach Bob” Voege died early Monday morning September 19, 2011, surrounded by his family. Coach Bob loved God, his country and all things chocolate! He is survived by his wife Frances Romero Voege; daughters Kathi Harvey (husband Don), Gayle Buckman (husband Rick), Debra Voege, Heather Voege and son Rob Voege (wife Patti).
Those lucky enough to have called him “Grandpa Funnyface” include Courtenay and Christopher Smith, Jason Harvey, Jennifer Buckman Brown, Ricky, Samantha and Murphy Buckman, Jon Voege, Robbie, Kai, and Lindsay Voege, Jose, Andrea and Ali Voege, and Jessie Voege DeVaney along with spouses and partners.
Coach Bob enjoyed the privilege of time spent with 8 great grandchildren; Mason, Cassie, Dalton (Dooley), Supreme, Zoe, Riley, Reagan and Isabella and was eagerly awaiting the births of 3 more.
A service to celebrate the life of this remarkable man will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 23, 2011 at Christ United Methodist Church, 1475 Center Road, Venice, Florida, followed by internment with full military honors at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida. An opportunity to greet the family and share memories will begin at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Coach Bob’s memory to the Special Olympics Sarasota County, PO Box 2112, Venice, Florida 34284 phone: 941-412-0402. Arrangements are by theFarley Funeral Home, Venice, Florida.
Coach Bob was a graduate of Jamaica High School in Queens, New York and Colgate University. He received his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. He served in the United States Navy during World War II on the USS Earl. He spent 28 years as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, tracking the inner workings of the Ku Klux Klan and La Cosa Nostra. Upon retirement, he continued in law enforcement with the CIA. He competed in the 1964 Olympic trials in judo.
An avid Steelers Fan, Coach Bob raised his family in Brentwood (Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania, where his own and countless other children were inspired, coached and mentored in Football, Baseball, Softball, Swimming, Judo and Spelunking.
After moving to Hawaii, Bob became known as the “Kindergarten Cop”, teaching physical education in the public school system. Continuing to coach Masters swimmers at the Oahu Club, he participated himself in the Masters Competitions for Swimming and Track and Field where he garnered many a Gold Medal, holding National Records that stand today. In 1998, he won the Blue Cross Blue Shield Ageless Hero award for vitality. President George H.W. Bush presented him with the national award in Chicago.
Moving to Venice, Florida to be closer to family and friends, Bob picked up where he left off, coaching with the Sarasota Sharks, the Special Olympics of Sarasota County, and working as a Guardian Ad Litem. He was a frequent reader and sandbox playmate at the Venice YMCA preschool.
A remarkable man; an inspirational life ….well done, Coach Bob…well done.
