Robert William Vincent

Robert William Vincent of Lake Wales, FL and Sapphire, NC, peacefully passed away on April 18th at his home in Lake Wales surrounded by his loving family at the age of 90. Bob was born in Platteville, WI on April 27, 1925. He moved to Florida when he was six months old and spent most of his life in the Sunshine State. Bob was a veteran of WWII, where he served in the engine room aboard a Navy ship. In addition to his naval duties, he was also the ship's barber, cutting officers' and enlisted men's hair. After the Navy, Bob graduated from Stetson University and taught school for several years before receiving an engineering degree from the University of FL. Bob worked at Martin-Marietta in Orlando in the Aerospace industry for many years. He then went on to become vice president of quality at International Telephone and Telegraph in New York City. After retiring, he followed his best friend, Philip B. Crosby, to Winter Park, Florida to begin what they envisioned as “a small quality consulting firm.” Philip Crosby Associates (PCA) soon became the leader in quality management, teaching quality to executives worldwide. Bob was vice chairman and the dean of the Quality College, where he taught many of the classes. PCA honored Bob by naming a building after him. The Vincent Building served as the executive teaching facility. Bob was an upbeat, optimistic and fun-loving man, who was always the life of the party. He was a skilled outdoors man, excelling in hunting and fishing. He was also an accomplished golfer, competing in many tournaments. He was particularly proud when he, along with his team, including the professional golfer, Dow Finsterwald, won the Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Classic Pro-Am. Bob also loved to dance and was seen “cutting a rug” on many occasions throughout his life, wearing out his dance partners. Another of Bob's loves was wood working, and he spent many hours in his shop. Bob also loved spending time in the western North Carolina mountains where he had a second home. Despite his many loves, there was no love greater than his love for his family. Bob is survived by his children: Teresa Vincent Perry (David) of Mount Dora, FL; Linda Corneliussen (Gene) of Eustis, FL; and Robert W. Vincent II (Gaby) of Greenville, FL. He is also survived by granddaughter, Amanda Vincent; stepchildren, Katherine Guida (Vince Botta) and Walter Guida; sister-in-law, Carolyn Vincent; niece, Julie Melvin Purvis; and nephews, Gary and Bill Vincent and Joe Melvin; and cousins, William Zeller and Barry Barnhart. Bob was preceded in death by his adoring wives, most recently Patricia H. Smith; and his childhood sweetheart, Grace Lee Vincent; parents, William and Claudia Vincent; and brother, Jim. A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis, on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Pine Forest Cemetery, Mount Dora. The family will receive friends at the funeral home immediately following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Hospice, or the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society in Cashiers, NC. Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.