Rev, Robert B Mattingly, 82, of Port Charlotte, Fl died peacefully on January 7, 2022. Fr. Bob was born on February 11, 1939 and raised in Washington DC. He grew up in Northeast DC, Brookland, within walking distance from Catholic University and the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land. Upon graduation, he went to the…
Continue ReadingRev, Robert B Mattingly, 82, of Port Charlotte, Fl died peacefully on January 7, 2022.
Fr. Bob was born on February 11, 1939 and raised in Washington DC. He grew up in Northeast DC, Brookland, within walking distance from Catholic University and the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land. Upon graduation, he went to the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University studying electrical engineering and, as a co-op student, he trained at the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, MD. After a conversion experience, Fr. Bob began his studies to become a priest. He has: a BA in Philosophy from Niagara University; a BA in Sacred Theology from St. Mary’s Seminary and University; and a Master’s Degree in Education with a major in Counseling from Loyola University. Fr. Bob was ordained and served the church in many roles in Savannah starting in 1968. He became the Pastor of St. James in Savannah from 1977 to 1986. In 1986, Fr. Bob became a Benedictine Monk and served in the Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe Pecos, NM. He served as a member of the retreat team, a faculty member for the School of Spiritual Direction and Coordinator of the School for Spiritual Direction. In 1990, as an only child, Fr. Bob came to the Venice Diocese to care for his aging parents. He served many roles in the diocese and upon his Father’s death took an assignment to St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in September of 1994. He retired in 2006. In retirement, he helped local parishes and reflected on spiritualities. Bob wrote a book “Letters to Joey” which is a fictional series of letters from a retired priest to his nephew, who is entering the seminary. These letters reflect on experiences Fr. Bob actually had, and he used them to enhance his theories of spirituality and understanding about the nature of a Loving God. Fr. Bob was loved by many, and these words written to him while he was ill described him well: “He was kind and compassionate. He brought out the best in others. He always made room for another’s point of view. He was my best friend. (Fr. Bob had a lot of best friends as everyone was special and unique to him.) He will be dearly missed.” Outside of the church, Fr. Bob was always active in sports and loved tennis and hiking. He painted with acrylics and played the guitar. He loved to read and wrote homilies and shared them with friends daily. His favorite pastime was cruising.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church on Friday, January 28th,2022 at 11:00AM. A prayer vigil will be held at the Parish Center the night before, Thursday January 27th,2022 from 6:30 to 8:00 for those would like to come to pray for and share stories about their relationships with Fr. Bob. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Port Charlotte, FL.
Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.
KAROL K Fischer
left a message on March 5, 2022:
Bob was a perfect example of WWJD ~ What Would Jesus Do? He was a true example of the song, 'Tis the Gift to be Simple" ~ so beautifully simple, yet profoundly religious in his own unique way ~ Oh, what a GIFT, what a wonderful gift he was and will continue to be to so very many of us ~ this is a gift that will last forever ~ we are humbled and grateful, to say the least. I was privileged to work with Bob in Columbus, GA in the early 70's, and we've kept in touch over the years ~ visits, phone calls, Snail Mail ~ always a JOY whenever and however we met. Bob has touch so-o-o-o very many lives ~ Well done, good and faithful servant ~ continue to guide us with your light as we continue to pray for the repose of your precious soul ! ! !
Eternal rest grant to you, Bob, and let perpetual light shine upon you. May your soul and all the souls of our beloved faithful departed rest in PEACE. Thanks for ALL you've given to us.
Karol Kutterer Fischer ~ Saint Louis, MO
Br. Jack Henn
left a message on January 27, 2022:
I met Bob in Savannah, GA in 1978. We remained friends over the years. Bob's gift, among many, was to make everyone who came into his life feel special. He uplifted your spirit, always non-judgmental and affirming, sensitive to your perspective and at times gently challenge your point of view. He was playful and kind. He approached life with wonder and awe. A real loss in my life.
Frank Gallucci
left a message on January 27, 2022:
My wife and I attended St. Max for many years, my daughter Francesca was an alter server with Father Mattingly. Always a kind word and soft spoken, I loved Father Mattingly's homilies. My prayers for his family and for the St. Max church family, you all are missed.
Paul Skizinski
left a message on January 26, 2022:
I'm deeply saddened to learn of the death of my dear friend Father Bob. He and I were classmates in the seminary. It didn't take long for us to bond, and that bond has lasted for sixty years. Not only were we friends on a human level, but I looked up to him as a model of Christianity. I aspired to be like him, but I fell short. There will be an empty spot in my heart until I join him in eternity.
Karen Riley
left a message on January 24, 2022:
To all who knew and loved this man…. We were so lucky to know him. Fr Bob was so authentic and knew himself well. He was a progressive Catholic and kept up with new ideas. I missed his Christmas card this year with his book list. I tried calling to no avail. He will be missed but helped me heal a part of my heart.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Patrick Shinnick
left a message on January 24, 2022:
Bob was a dear friend and a wonderful coworker. May he rest in peace.
Marge and Jim Slepica
left a message on January 24, 2022:
Father Bob was so many things to us... a priest, a boss, a friend, a political commentator, a card player, a cruise companion, a spiritual inspiration. We will never forget his sensitivity, kindness, warmth and sense of humor. We miss him already. Rest in peace dear friend.
Jenny Brown Savannah Georgia
left a message on January 23, 2022:
Fr Bob Mattingly was a tender soul. Salt of the Earth. A priest from my childhood. At Camp Villa Marie and St James in Savannah. I will never forget his “do good for the poor” homilies. They have definitely shaped my career path. God rest his soul. A good man of. faith.
Father Mike Lubinsky
left a message on January 23, 2022:
I remember Father Bob well as he was my vocations director in the early 1970s.
He was warm,caring, personal and friendly.His life as a priest made a special impact upon me for years.
May Father Bob live forever in heaven with Jesus Christ his Savior .Amen
Jill Castagna
left a message on January 23, 2022:
At St. Max. I was his only dedicated Jewish Parishoner. Fr. Bob was the only Priest I knew. Very warm, concerned and into all the problems here in S. Florida. Al & I
loved him, will really miss him. Always sent a post card when he was on a hiking trip.
He came to one of St.Max Halloween Parties. No one could even guess who he was !! He was dressed as a tourist Photographer, camera and all. Sooo Funny !!
A wonderful person. Quite a Man. God Blessed us with Fr. Bob. I know he is in Heaven with the other Angels !!!
Fr. Mike Lydon
left a message on January 23, 2022:
To Gina and to all who knew and loved our dear friend Bob, I am praying for Bob’s rest in Christ and for all of us who miss him. His humor, intelligence, wisdom and openness to seeing another point of view, as well as his dedication to lifelong learning, are traits that I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life. Eternal rest grant unto Bob O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Fr. Mike Lydon, St. Louis MO.
Barbara Sutton
left a message on January 23, 2022:
Serving the community at St. Maximilian Kolbe with Fr. Bob and the staff was a creative and joyful time. He was an empowering priest and lived his life rooted in the Gospel. In his silly way, he could nudge and poke to offer me another way of seeing. And still he was able to be nudged back. I think he was very conscious of not misusing his power as a priest. The Church is better because of his leadership. and the way he served on bended knee. I will miss our visits. Rest in peace my dear friend. This is the life you have lived for.
Linda Choma
left a message on January 23, 2022:
He was a wonderful man, so very kind and loving. He was the most spiritual man I ever knew. I so wish I could attend his services but Covid has other ideas! He will be in my heart forever as someone I could tell my sorrows, my faith, my fears whatever is on mind or heart, he would bring me through it all without judgment. Heaven rejoices with their gain, and earth cries.
John E. Sanders
left a message on January 21, 2022:
Fr. Bob was known to me but in a more particular way was he fond of my late father, LeRoy “Lee” D. Sanders. I don’t think that I ever went to Confession to Fr. Bob when he did not have a complimentary comment to say about my dad, in whom he was quite fond. The kindness and humility of Fr. Bob could possibly have been equaled by other priests but never could it have been surpassed! May his soul rest in the Peace of Christ and may his family be blessed in the knowledge that Fr. Bob now dwells with the angels in Heaven. Amen.
Bob and Joanne Bialas
left a message on January 21, 2022:
As we learned about Father Bob’s passing, we were stunned. Bob just spoke to Father Bob a few weeks before. When we lived in Punta Gorda, Bob would have coffee regularly with Father Bob, Art, Jim and Jacek - those are days that are very special to him. Also, we have not missed a 5-year wedding anniversary without a blessing from Father Bob. We will deeply miss him, our conversations, and his love.
Ildere Olivier
left a message on January 20, 2022:
My deepest condolences to the family of Father’Bob May his soul Rest In Peace he will be miss by the Olivier family He was loved 🥰
Joanne Olivier
left a message on January 20, 2022:
My condolences to Father Bob he was the best priest ever I will miss him dearly
Ben Rivera
left a message on January 20, 2022:
May God rest this precious soul of a man, priest and friend. He will be missed very much.
Earl & Maureen Lopez
left a message on January 19, 2022:
In memory of Fr. Robert
"Fr. Bob"
B.
Mattingly, Earl & Maureen Lopez lit a candle
Earl & Maureen Lopez
left a message on January 19, 2022:
We are saddened to learn of the passing of father Bob. We were his neighbors in BobCat Trail in North Port Fla. Father Bob was a passionate man, who had a heart of gold. We shared many evenings chatting and eating different types of foods. Father Bob was a special person and will be deeply missed. May his soul Rest In Eternal Peace and May Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Maureen Gomes-Lopez
left a message on January 18, 2022:
My heart is broken to hear the news of Father Bob passing. I first met Father Bob when my husband and I moved into Bobcat trail in 2009. He became more than a neighbor but some one we grew to love. We shared many dinners together and he always made us feel very special. I will miss him dearly and will always remember his kindness. It was a pleasure to have him in my life.. Rest in Pease my friend.
Maureen Gomes Lopez
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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KAROL K Fischer
left a message on March 5, 2022:
Bob was a perfect example of WWJD ~ What Would Jesus Do? He was a true example of the song, 'Tis the Gift to be Simple" ~ so beautifully simple, yet profoundly religious in his own unique way ~ Oh, what a GIFT, what a wonderful gift he was and will continue to be to so very many of us ~ this is a gift that will last forever ~ we are humbled and grateful, to say the least. I was privileged to work with Bob in Columbus, GA in the early 70's, and we've kept in touch over the years ~ visits, phone calls, Snail Mail ~ always a JOY whenever and however we met. Bob has touch so-o-o-o very many lives ~ Well done, good and faithful servant ~ continue to guide us with your light as we continue to pray for the repose of your precious soul ! ! !
Eternal rest grant to you, Bob, and let perpetual light shine upon you. May your soul and all the souls of our beloved faithful departed rest in PEACE. Thanks for ALL you've given to us.
Karol Kutterer Fischer ~ Saint Louis, MO
Br. Jack Henn
left a message on January 27, 2022:
I met Bob in Savannah, GA in 1978. We remained friends over the years. Bob's gift, among many, was to make everyone who came into his life feel special. He uplifted your spirit, always non-judgmental and affirming, sensitive to your perspective and at times gently challenge your point of view. He was playful and kind. He approached life with wonder and awe. A real loss in my life.
Frank Gallucci
left a message on January 27, 2022:
My wife and I attended St. Max for many years, my daughter Francesca was an alter server with Father Mattingly. Always a kind word and soft spoken, I loved Father Mattingly's homilies. My prayers for his family and for the St. Max church family, you all are missed.
Paul Skizinski
left a message on January 26, 2022:
I'm deeply saddened to learn of the death of my dear friend Father Bob. He and I were classmates in the seminary. It didn't take long for us to bond, and that bond has lasted for sixty years. Not only were we friends on a human level, but I looked up to him as a model of Christianity. I aspired to be like him, but I fell short. There will be an empty spot in my heart until I join him in eternity.
Karen Riley
left a message on January 24, 2022:
To all who knew and loved this man…. We were so lucky to know him. Fr Bob was so authentic and knew himself well. He was a progressive Catholic and kept up with new ideas. I missed his Christmas card this year with his book list. I tried calling to no avail. He will be missed but helped me heal a part of my heart.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Patrick Shinnick
left a message on January 24, 2022:
Bob was a dear friend and a wonderful coworker. May he rest in peace.
Marge and Jim Slepica
left a message on January 24, 2022:
Father Bob was so many things to us... a priest, a boss, a friend, a political commentator, a card player, a cruise companion, a spiritual inspiration. We will never forget his sensitivity, kindness, warmth and sense of humor. We miss him already. Rest in peace dear friend.
Jenny Brown Savannah Georgia
left a message on January 23, 2022:
Fr Bob Mattingly was a tender soul. Salt of the Earth. A priest from my childhood. At Camp Villa Marie and St James in Savannah. I will never forget his “do good for the poor” homilies. They have definitely shaped my career path. God rest his soul. A good man of. faith.
Father Mike Lubinsky
left a message on January 23, 2022:
I remember Father Bob well as he was my vocations director in the early 1970s.
He was warm,caring, personal and friendly.His life as a priest made a special impact upon me for years.
May Father Bob live forever in heaven with Jesus Christ his Savior .Amen
Jill Castagna
left a message on January 23, 2022:
At St. Max. I was his only dedicated Jewish Parishoner. Fr. Bob was the only Priest I knew. Very warm, concerned and into all the problems here in S. Florida. Al & I
loved him, will really miss him. Always sent a post card when he was on a hiking trip.
He came to one of St.Max Halloween Parties. No one could even guess who he was !! He was dressed as a tourist Photographer, camera and all. Sooo Funny !!
A wonderful person. Quite a Man. God Blessed us with Fr. Bob. I know he is in Heaven with the other Angels !!!
Fr. Mike Lydon
left a message on January 23, 2022:
To Gina and to all who knew and loved our dear friend Bob, I am praying for Bob’s rest in Christ and for all of us who miss him. His humor, intelligence, wisdom and openness to seeing another point of view, as well as his dedication to lifelong learning, are traits that I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life. Eternal rest grant unto Bob O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Fr. Mike Lydon, St. Louis MO.
Barbara Sutton
left a message on January 23, 2022:
Serving the community at St. Maximilian Kolbe with Fr. Bob and the staff was a creative and joyful time. He was an empowering priest and lived his life rooted in the Gospel. In his silly way, he could nudge and poke to offer me another way of seeing. And still he was able to be nudged back. I think he was very conscious of not misusing his power as a priest. The Church is better because of his leadership. and the way he served on bended knee. I will miss our visits. Rest in peace my dear friend. This is the life you have lived for.
Linda Choma
left a message on January 23, 2022:
He was a wonderful man, so very kind and loving. He was the most spiritual man I ever knew. I so wish I could attend his services but Covid has other ideas! He will be in my heart forever as someone I could tell my sorrows, my faith, my fears whatever is on mind or heart, he would bring me through it all without judgment. Heaven rejoices with their gain, and earth cries.
John E. Sanders
left a message on January 21, 2022:
Fr. Bob was known to me but in a more particular way was he fond of my late father, LeRoy “Lee” D. Sanders. I don’t think that I ever went to Confession to Fr. Bob when he did not have a complimentary comment to say about my dad, in whom he was quite fond. The kindness and humility of Fr. Bob could possibly have been equaled by other priests but never could it have been surpassed! May his soul rest in the Peace of Christ and may his family be blessed in the knowledge that Fr. Bob now dwells with the angels in Heaven. Amen.
Bob and Joanne Bialas
left a message on January 21, 2022:
As we learned about Father Bob’s passing, we were stunned. Bob just spoke to Father Bob a few weeks before. When we lived in Punta Gorda, Bob would have coffee regularly with Father Bob, Art, Jim and Jacek - those are days that are very special to him. Also, we have not missed a 5-year wedding anniversary without a blessing from Father Bob. We will deeply miss him, our conversations, and his love.
Ildere Olivier
left a message on January 20, 2022:
My deepest condolences to the family of Father’Bob May his soul Rest In Peace he will be miss by the Olivier family He was loved 🥰
Joanne Olivier
left a message on January 20, 2022:
My condolences to Father Bob he was the best priest ever I will miss him dearly
Ben Rivera
left a message on January 20, 2022:
May God rest this precious soul of a man, priest and friend. He will be missed very much.
Earl & Maureen Lopez
left a message on January 19, 2022:
In memory of Fr. Robert
"Fr. Bob"
B.
Mattingly, Earl & Maureen Lopez lit a candle
Earl & Maureen Lopez
left a message on January 19, 2022:
We are saddened to learn of the passing of father Bob. We were his neighbors in BobCat Trail in North Port Fla. Father Bob was a passionate man, who had a heart of gold. We shared many evenings chatting and eating different types of foods. Father Bob was a special person and will be deeply missed. May his soul Rest In Eternal Peace and May Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Maureen Gomes-Lopez
left a message on January 18, 2022:
My heart is broken to hear the news of Father Bob passing. I first met Father Bob when my husband and I moved into Bobcat trail in 2009. He became more than a neighbor but some one we grew to love. We shared many dinners together and he always made us feel very special. I will miss him dearly and will always remember his kindness. It was a pleasure to have him in my life.. Rest in Pease my friend.
Maureen Gomes Lopez
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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