Dr. Robert 'Bob' Pickhardt, age 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a long, valiant battle with Parkinson's disease.

He is survived by his brother, John Pickhardt; daughters, Sharon Balsamo-Walls (Rickey Walls) and Sandra Myers (Joseph Myers); grandchildren, Theresa Balsamo, Ryan Myers and Jack Myers; and great grandchild, Vincent Balsamo. Bob was predeceased by his loving wife Marilyn Pickhardt.

Born in Maryland, he moved often due to his father's army career. Eventually his family settled in Conway Arkansas, where he completed high school and attended college, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree while also playing basketball and football. He then attended Columbia University in New York where he received his Bachelor of Science degree and met Marilyn, his wife to be. After marrying, Bob got his first teaching position in Gainesville at the University of Florida. Go Gators!

While taking a sabbatical from working towards a Doctor of Business degree at Indiana University, his first child was born, a daughter. Before he took his second teaching position at LSUNO in New Orleans his second daughter was born. A few years later he returned to Florida to take a teaching position at UNF where he was a highly respected professor and head of the business department for many years, retiring in high esteem. He was also an elder and active member of Fort Caroline Presbyterian Church.

All of these great things are just facts about him, not who he was. Bob was loved by so many people and had a way of making people feel at ease and welcomed. He was kind, generous, funny, smart, playful, trustworthy and so much more;

He was a prankster, always trying to elicit a smile or a laugh.

He was constantly tinkering, trying to come up with a better or more efficient way to do things.

He was a patient problem solver who also enjoyed a game of tennis or bridge.

He loved to be outside in nature whether it be fishing or shrimping, gathering shells at the beach, collecting rocks in the mountains, or just sitting in the car with his late wife watching the water and listening to jazz.

He strove to take care of his family in any way he could, being a rock of stability and a source of strength for the whole family. In his final days he was still more concerned about his family than with himself. Bob touched so many lives in ways both big and small. We'll remember him fondly for the ripple effect of positivity he sent out into the world. He held his head high until the end, showing us all what it looks like to finish strong.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to all who have supported us during this time of loss. Bob's family welcomes donations in his memory to organizations that promote Parkinson's awareness.

Please use this link to attend the service virtually through Zoom:

Virtual Memorial Service Link (Please check with the family to make sure they plan to broadcast)

Arrangements have been entrusted to the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home.