Robert Owen Burns, 56, of Port Charlotte, Florida, passed away suddenly Friday, October 18, 2013 in Port Charlotte. Robert was a man of many parts, a soldier, a natural mechanic, a hugely talented welder, and finally a Registered Nurse of some note. Robert was born the 3rd of July, 1957 in Dearborn, Michigan. He joined…
Continue ReadingRobert Owen Burns, 56, of Port Charlotte, Florida, passed away suddenly Friday, October 18, 2013 in Port Charlotte.
Robert was a man of many parts, a soldier, a natural mechanic, a hugely talented welder, and finally a Registered Nurse of some note. Robert was born the 3rd of July, 1957 in Dearborn, Michigan. He joined the US Army in 1976, and served honorably as a track vehicle mechanic and Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division (All American).
Upon his discharge from the Army, Bob joined his parents in Colorado working as a mechanic at the family owned service station business in Boone. He earned an Associate’s Degree in welding from Pueblo Community College. During this time, Robert also married his High School sweetheart, Karolyn Hassell.
Robert spent a number of years working as a welder in the Construction and Manufacturing trades. Robert & Karolyn welcomed the birth of their son Robert Jr. who is currently attending Wayne State University studying a Pre-Med track.
Robert also spent many years wrestling with his personal demons. In 2001, Bob joined his mother in Florida. He managed to slay his demons and turn his life around, graduating with honors from Edison State College, earning a degree in Nursing. Robert spent the intervening years working as an Oncology RN, primarily at Fawcett Memorial Hospital where he was extremely popular with patients, their families and his co-workers.
Robert leaves behind his mother Virginia, ex-Wife Karolyn (née Hassell), son Robert Jr.; a sister, Betty Costello & brothers William & Harold, as well as numerous cousins and his special friend, Bettemarie Judy. Robert was preceded in death by his father, William (Bill) Burns in 2000.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM. to 2:00 PM with Military Honors and funeral services to follow at 2:00 PM, Friday, October 25, 2013 at Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Robert’s name are suggested to a local Veterans Service Organization or Veterans Charity of choice.
Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.
Sharon K
left a message on June 8, 2025:
👋🙏💞
Jack & Sally Simmons
left a message on October 22, 2013:
Dear Virginia and family,
We were surprised and saddened to hear of Robert's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the hopes that knowing friends will give you strength to endure during this time of sorrow.
Donna
left a message on October 21, 2013:
you were such a wonderful person, R.I.P, Donna
Melonie Mazar
left a message on October 21, 2013:
I don't even know where to begin, your life, touch, friendship meant so much to me.. You were taken to soon and it's unfair.. You always looked out for me and always made sure was on the track.. I'm truly miss you..
SANDRA YOUNGERG
left a message on October 21, 2013:
I worked with Robert at Fawcett Memorial. We worked in different departments but when I would see him we would talk about being fellow "Downriver" kids. I was raised in Southgate, MI a stone throw from Trenton. He shared all about his son and was so proud of him. His smile and friendliness is what I will remember most about Robert. My heart hurts for his familiy. God Bless!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Mr and Mrs Kissoon
left a message on October 21, 2013:
Our dearest condolences to the family and dear friend's of Robert. He was a very caring person to all. He kept everyone smiling and was a valuable team member at work. He will forever be remembered by all who had the honor to know him.
rich carmean
left a message on October 21, 2013:
im so sorry for your loss first mike inman now bob just doesnt seem fair plz contact me at 313 590 4906 / and rac 2610@aol.com
Melissa Meleleu
left a message on October 22, 2013:
Robert always had a smile on his face and was AWSOME with patients he will be sadly missed.
Kyla Doktor
left a message on October 22, 2013:
Robert, words can't even express what I feel right now. You were such an amazing person, coworker, friend, nurse. You always knew how to put a smile on my face when I was down. You were taken from us too soon. My deepest condolences to your family. You will be missed dearly. I'll never forget you.
Bill and Sue Evans
left a message on October 22, 2013:
I'm really going to miss you Robert!
Marie
left a message on October 22, 2013:
I met Robert when I first started at Fawcett Memorial Hospital two years ago. We worked in different departments but I was blessed with his friendship and caring. I will always miss him and he will carry a piece of my heart forever. Love you Robert!!!
Carol Nabers
left a message on October 22, 2013:
Virginia and Family,
Wishing you Strength and Comfort at this most difficult time.
Love and Prayers,
Carol Nabers
(Friend from the Ball Park & Stone Crab Booster Club)
Kelli Spencer
left a message on October 22, 2013:
Robert... You were a wonderful friend to my parents. Thank you for blessing us with your friendship. You will be greatly missed. Keep an eye on my parents from above for me. Love you Kelli, Millie, John Hough
Bettemarie Judy
left a message on November 7, 2013:
Robert was a kind and gentle soul that once he touched your life you never forgot him. He always knew how to put a smile on your face and make you laugh. He loved nature and having fun. His love of his patient's made him one special nurse. He often would cook for them and made sure none of them died alone. He was a diamond in the ruff but never stopped shining! You will be missed by many!
John and Mary Jo Dungee
left a message on October 23, 2013:
Virginia - we were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of your son. Our hearts go out to you and your family during this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
George & Alberta Lemmler
left a message on October 23, 2013:
Dear Virginia and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your son, Robert's passing. During this difficult time, know that your friends are thinking of you and sending prayers your way.
Jamie and Donna LaBlanc
left a message on October 23, 2013:
Robert was was a friend and will be missed very much.
Jake and Lisa Cole
left a message on October 24, 2013:
We are saddened to hear of Virginia's son Robert's passing. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families during this most difficult time. Know that your friends are here if you need us.
Mark Wood
left a message on October 24, 2013:
Gone too soon. I will miss you man.
Karen Honstein
left a message on October 25, 2013:
Robert touched so many lives in his shortened stay with us and he is missed greatly by many. He was a good man and nurse to endless people who respected him enough to trust him with their lives. Robert we miss you and will keep the prayers coming to you and for your mother, forever Karen
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
LORI CAUDILL
left a message on October 25, 2013:
Condolence and prayers to the family
Scottie & Clara PItser
left a message on October 25, 2013:
Dear Virginia and famaily,
There are lots of words of saddness and loss at this time, but its important to now remember the love and special times that your shared. I've walked in your shoes and know the loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Clara & Scottie PItser
Donna Wohlers
left a message on October 25, 2013:
You will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
John W. Hough . Sr.
left a message on October 25, 2013:
I will always remember the times when I stopped in to see my son John, and Robert was there. or would drop by. He was a pleasant , bright man who had accomplished much in his life-time. I enjoyed just sitting there and listening to Robert and John discussing the interesting details of their medical knowledge
I will miss those moments. God speed Robert.
All my best, thoughts and prayers to your friends and loved ones.
John Hough Sr.
Kelly DiNenna
left a message on October 25, 2013:
Robert, I cannot explain how much your life meant to me and how dearly I love you. You my best friend, your heart and your life has touched every single person that you have come in contact and you will always be with me I do not know how i am going to do life without you in it, thank you for always being there. My deepest sympathies and love to your family. Love you. Till we meet again my friend...I miss you
Wendell and Laurel Peterson
left a message on October 25, 2013:
Virginia and Family:
We are saddened by your profound loss. Know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Wendell and Laurie
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Sharon K
left a message on June 8, 2025:
👋🙏💞
Jack & Sally Simmons
left a message on October 22, 2013:
Dear Virginia and family,
We were surprised and saddened to hear of Robert's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the hopes that knowing friends will give you strength to endure during this time of sorrow.
Donna
left a message on October 21, 2013:
you were such a wonderful person, R.I.P, Donna
Melonie Mazar
left a message on October 21, 2013:
I don't even know where to begin, your life, touch, friendship meant so much to me.. You were taken to soon and it's unfair.. You always looked out for me and always made sure was on the track.. I'm truly miss you..
SANDRA YOUNGERG
left a message on October 21, 2013:
I worked with Robert at Fawcett Memorial. We worked in different departments but when I would see him we would talk about being fellow "Downriver" kids. I was raised in Southgate, MI a stone throw from Trenton. He shared all about his son and was so proud of him. His smile and friendliness is what I will remember most about Robert. My heart hurts for his familiy. God Bless!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Mr and Mrs Kissoon
left a message on October 21, 2013:
Our dearest condolences to the family and dear friend's of Robert. He was a very caring person to all. He kept everyone smiling and was a valuable team member at work. He will forever be remembered by all who had the honor to know him.
rich carmean
left a message on October 21, 2013:
im so sorry for your loss first mike inman now bob just doesnt seem fair plz contact me at 313 590 4906 / and rac 2610@aol.com
Melissa Meleleu
left a message on October 22, 2013:
Robert always had a smile on his face and was AWSOME with patients he will be sadly missed.
Kyla Doktor
left a message on October 22, 2013:
Robert, words can't even express what I feel right now. You were such an amazing person, coworker, friend, nurse. You always knew how to put a smile on my face when I was down. You were taken from us too soon. My deepest condolences to your family. You will be missed dearly. I'll never forget you.
Bill and Sue Evans
left a message on October 22, 2013:
I'm really going to miss you Robert!
Marie
left a message on October 22, 2013:
I met Robert when I first started at Fawcett Memorial Hospital two years ago. We worked in different departments but I was blessed with his friendship and caring. I will always miss him and he will carry a piece of my heart forever. Love you Robert!!!
Carol Nabers
left a message on October 22, 2013:
Virginia and Family,
Wishing you Strength and Comfort at this most difficult time.
Love and Prayers,
Carol Nabers
(Friend from the Ball Park & Stone Crab Booster Club)
Kelli Spencer
left a message on October 22, 2013:
Robert... You were a wonderful friend to my parents. Thank you for blessing us with your friendship. You will be greatly missed. Keep an eye on my parents from above for me. Love you Kelli, Millie, John Hough
Bettemarie Judy
left a message on November 7, 2013:
Robert was a kind and gentle soul that once he touched your life you never forgot him. He always knew how to put a smile on your face and make you laugh. He loved nature and having fun. His love of his patient's made him one special nurse. He often would cook for them and made sure none of them died alone. He was a diamond in the ruff but never stopped shining! You will be missed by many!
John and Mary Jo Dungee
left a message on October 23, 2013:
Virginia - we were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of your son. Our hearts go out to you and your family during this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
George & Alberta Lemmler
left a message on October 23, 2013:
Dear Virginia and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your son, Robert's passing. During this difficult time, know that your friends are thinking of you and sending prayers your way.
Jamie and Donna LaBlanc
left a message on October 23, 2013:
Robert was was a friend and will be missed very much.
Jake and Lisa Cole
left a message on October 24, 2013:
We are saddened to hear of Virginia's son Robert's passing. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families during this most difficult time. Know that your friends are here if you need us.
Mark Wood
left a message on October 24, 2013:
Gone too soon. I will miss you man.
Karen Honstein
left a message on October 25, 2013:
Robert touched so many lives in his shortened stay with us and he is missed greatly by many. He was a good man and nurse to endless people who respected him enough to trust him with their lives. Robert we miss you and will keep the prayers coming to you and for your mother, forever Karen
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
LORI CAUDILL
left a message on October 25, 2013:
Condolence and prayers to the family
Scottie & Clara PItser
left a message on October 25, 2013:
Dear Virginia and famaily,
There are lots of words of saddness and loss at this time, but its important to now remember the love and special times that your shared. I've walked in your shoes and know the loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Clara & Scottie PItser
Donna Wohlers
left a message on October 25, 2013:
You will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
John W. Hough . Sr.
left a message on October 25, 2013:
I will always remember the times when I stopped in to see my son John, and Robert was there. or would drop by. He was a pleasant , bright man who had accomplished much in his life-time. I enjoyed just sitting there and listening to Robert and John discussing the interesting details of their medical knowledge
I will miss those moments. God speed Robert.
All my best, thoughts and prayers to your friends and loved ones.
John Hough Sr.
Kelly DiNenna
left a message on October 25, 2013:
Robert, I cannot explain how much your life meant to me and how dearly I love you. You my best friend, your heart and your life has touched every single person that you have come in contact and you will always be with me I do not know how i am going to do life without you in it, thank you for always being there. My deepest sympathies and love to your family. Love you. Till we meet again my friend...I miss you
Wendell and Laurel Peterson
left a message on October 25, 2013:
Virginia and Family:
We are saddened by your profound loss. Know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Wendell and Laurie
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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