Obituary of Robert Menke

Bob Menke passed away peacefully at home on May 4, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, one month shy of his 90th birthday. He was an extraordinary man, on of a kind and truly irreplaceable. Everyone blessed to have known him will unequivocally agree he lived an incredibly full life. He was a husband, father, army veteran, pilot, engineer, real estate broker, author, and incredibly intelligent and savvy businessman. His drive, perseverance, tenacity, and unmatched energy are qualities that made Bob so unique and successful. He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He later founded one of the largest privately held financial services companies in the Tampa Bay area, Bankers Financial Corporation. At the age of 89, his family often joked they couldn’t keep up. He loved life, he knew how to live it, he worked hard, and he played even harder. His family was his pride and joy. Nothing made him happier than family reunions on the boat in the Bahamas or having everyone under one roof in Big Sky, Montana. Some of his other cherished hobbies were hunting and fishing. His love for the outdoors led to his commitment to preserve a sliver of unspoiled “Old Florida” in Gilchrist County. He was a very proud “Gator” fan, spending many fall Saturdays in orange and blue. He always looked for opportunities to make his community a better place. Bob’s commitment to St. Petersburg, where he was born and raised, was expressed by his philanthropic support for many community organizations, such as The Salvation Army, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and the St. Petersburg College of Orthotics and Prosthetics. Bob was brave, fearless and everyone’s mentor. His passing leaves an unimaginable void, but the wonderful memories and his story are inspiration for all lucky to have known him. His legacy lives on through his family who made him so proud. Bob was predeceased by his mother, Katherine Lutz Quest; his father, Robert Miller Brubaker; and his sister, Martha Menke Underwood. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Mary Gregory Menke. He is survived by his wife, Jan P. Menke; his six children, Kimberly M. Strong (John), Robert G. Menke (Amy), Marlies M. Roberts (Donald), Brett M. Menke (Kristina), C. Kyle Menke (Lily), and Michelle M. Fife (Ryan); his sisters, Shari L. Hart and K. Lynn Rizzo; his brother, Richard Brubaker (Stephanie); his thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held Friday, May 12, from 5-8pm at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, a place you could find Bob often. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to wither The Salvation Army of St. Petersburg, 340 14th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 or Johns Hopkins Children's Foundation, 500 Seventh Ave South, 4th Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.