Robert L. Hillyer, Jr., 77, of Punta Gorda, Florida passed away at home Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 after a long illness.

He was born February 26, 1939 in Bridgeton, New Jersey. He attended Woodbury, New Jersey public schools and was a graduate of Barrington College in Rhode Island. Bob had a long career in Industrial Relations in the Northeast and Midwest before retiring to Florida. After retirement, he enjoyed fishing the waters off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida. Because of his love of fishing and the marine environment, he was known to many as “Captain Bob”. He was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church, Lake Suzy, where he will be missed.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Virginia; three children, Susan E. Schugars of Oak Park, IL, Dr. Donna L. Jones of Tracy City, TN, and Robert L. Hillyer, III of Riverside, IL; two sisters, Elizabeth J. Purchase of Holiday, FL and Linda Clifford of Woodstown, NJ; and a brother, Dr. Richard W. Hillyer of Sun City Center, FL; eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Memorial services celebrating Robert’s life will be held Thursday 4:00 PM, Sept. 29, 2016 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 10548 SW County Rd. (Kings Highway), Lake Suzy, FL 34269. Interment services by the family will be held later in Murfreesboro, TN.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.