Robert Girard Bickel

It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Girard Bickel announces his sudden passing on September 29, 2019, at the age of 86. Robert ( Bob) will be lovingly remembered by his wife Carol of 17 years, and his children, Jean (Chad) Tiernan, Robert, and Therese Brady. Bob will also be fondly remembered by his 5 grandchildren, Thomas, Morgan, Madison, Austin, and Julianne.

Robert Bickel was born in Chicago, IL, in 1933, and his loving parents moved them to Milwaukee,Wi within the first year of his life.  Bob graduated from Marquette Law school in 1958.
He spent most of his life and career in Milwaukee, Wi, and moved to Florida in 1983. His retirement years were spent at Lake Keowee in South Carolina. 

He married Roberta Phelan ( our mother) in 1954. He was determined to obtain his law degree and worked 2 jobs and received his degree in 1958. Their first born ( Therese Brady) was born in 1955, and 6 years later the remaining 2 children were born ( Robert Bickel Jr., and Jean Tiernan) and they were surprised and happy that they were twins. No advanced technology back then.

His 50 year career spanned banking, mergers and acquisitions, restaurant owner, and commercial real estate. He was known for his brilliant analytical mind, incredibly creative, and fearless in his pursuits. During one period  he purchased a 83 foot luxury Feadship  yacht and created a new industry out of thin air, the luxury timeshare on the water industry. His Wall Street Journal advertisement to fly four people via private jet to Miami and host them for the 1980 Super Bowl ( fifty yard line tickets included) was featured in Sports Illustrated.

He had a huge passion for all things on the water. From raising his family on  Beaver Lake, Wi, to his middle years on a waterway in Boca Raton, to his later years enjoying the peace and tranquility of Lake Keowee in South Carolina. Well that was fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing, or finishing a day cruising the waterways with a glass of his favorite Chardonnay, Bob was in his element on the water.

 He also enjoyed traveling , art work, music, renovating homes, gourmet cooking, entertaining, and would often hold court and keep everyone entertained with his amazing food and wine , quick wit, funny stories, and infectious smile.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Clarence, and his mother, Helen. He is survived by his wife Carol Martoccia , and his three children; Therese Brady, Jean Tiernan, and Robert Bickel, step children , Doug and Randall Martoccia, and five  grandchildren, Thomas Brady, Julianne Perez, Morgan, Madison, and Austin Bickel, several cousins and his favorite 99 year old Aunt Ann.  

A funeral Mass in memory of Bob will be held on Friday, October 25, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Boca Raton, Fl.

Memorial donations of Robert may be made to ,”The American Melanoma Foundation “, at: www.myamf.org  
 

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