Robert David Teitelbaum

Obituary

Robert David Teitelbaum, better known to his friends as Bob, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the age of 92 at his residence in Tampa.

He was born on November 3, 1933 in Brooklyn New York to Harry and Sophie Teitelbaum.  As a boy, Bob attended Riverside Military Academy, a punishment that turned out to be a foundation for later successes in his career and life.

Bob attended Brooklyn College on an ROTC scholarship and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.  Upon completion of his initial training, he was asked where he would like to be assigned.  Seeking a life of adventure, he replied: “As far from Brooklyn as I can go!”  His service in the Air Force took him around the world.  His journeys notably included Antarctica as part of a world record setting aircrew and Japan, where he met his equally adventurous wife, Fumie.  He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years of service.  After his Air Force career, Bob earned a Doctorate in Education and served as an administrator at Old Dominion University before retiring at 50 years of age to travel and enjoy life with his family.

Bob was very much an animal lover and routinely kept dog biscuits in his pocket so he had an excuse to befriend any dog that happened to cross his path.  He had a deep interest in history and never stopped learning.  He was always in the process of reading a book and looked forward to sharing his new knowledge.  He had a great sense of humor, but mostly made fun of himself rather than other people.

Bob’s military discipline (which some might call stubbornness), courage, and sense of humor were all evident during his six-year fight with cancer.  He got up every morning, shaved, dressed fully, read books, engaged with his wife and family, and stiff-armed death all day with self-deprecating humor and without complaint.

An important part of Bob’s life and identity were to be a good husband and father.  He was immensely proud of and loved every member of his family which continues to expand through births and marriages.  Bob is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Fumie Okaya Teitelbaum, children Romie Heidt (Rick), Alex (Mary), and Donnie (Julianna), and niece Maura Black.  He has 12 grandchildren, Chad, Robbie (Avianna), Alex (Ayaha), Greg (Britt), Adam (Felipe), Abby (Meghan), David (Grace), Campbell, Tommy (Damali), Katie (Ryan), Alison (Tariq), Justin (Susan) and great grandchildren, Scout, Wyatt, Hana, Ella, Myla, (and another on the way!).  Bob didn’t restrict his definition of “family” to blood and marriage.  He considered all the members of the extended Herman and Ornstein families over multiple generations as well as Marcia Barriffe and Donneth Wedderburn (to whom he was deeply grateful) to be family by choice.  He had very special feelings for the many new friends he and Fumie made at Arbor Terrace.

Burial will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 11:30 am on July 28, 2026, followed by a celebration of life at Arbor Terrace Independent living in Tampa at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to the charity of your choice.