Robert Edward Taft

On May 7, 2009, the Lord called Robert Edward Taft, 53, of 812 Robinson Court, St. Cloud, Florida to be with Him for all eternity. Now Bob is enjoying his reward in Heaven with God, Jesus, the Angels and Saints and his departed relatives. They include his father, Ira J., his grandparents; John “Mac” and Ruth McDonald, Ira B. and Florence Taft; his nephew Michael DeMayo, Jr. and other beloved relatives, all from the East Haven, CT area. On 9/11/2001, Bob was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, the most deadly and invasive form of primary brain cancer. Expected to die within 6 months, he survived 7 1/2 years due to his strong spirit, his belief in God, the sense of humor that never deserted him, the help of ever-evolving brain cancer therapies, clinical trials, and the excellent care, knowledge and humor of his Neuro-Oncologist, Dr. Nick Avgeropoulos and other Healthcare Specialists. Bob and his wife Ann, as his caretaker, were recently honored by being asked to take part in a national study of long-term malignant brain tumor survivors sponsored by the American Brain Tumor Association. Only 70 couples in the United States were chosen to participate. The purpose of the study was to learn about specific issues that changed lifestyles and daily activities related to living with a long-term brain tumor and was hoped to benefit other such individuals in the future… Unfortunately Bob expired before the actual study took place. The same Association also did an on line survey several years ago on much the same topic. After the survey results were compiled, they published the study entitled ”No One Can Afford a Brain Tumor.” For Bob and Ann, it was disturbingly true. They lost their dream house and had to file for bankruptcy, yet Bob’s inner strength and zest for life left him unaffected by these changes. Born in New Haven, CT, Bob graduated from East Haven High School. Bob then spent some time in Canyon Lake, TX with his first love, M.J. Angiollo. He subsequently relocated to Central Florida in 1988 and married Ann, a former Reference Librarian for the City of New Haven, CT and then for Orange County, Orlando, FL in 1991.Bob was a carpenter practicing his trade starting from the time he could pick up construction debris for his contractor father. Later, as a skilled finish carpenter, Bob labored with hard working hands on many area projects, some of which US and worldwide tourists still enjoy today. These include: Coronado Springs Resort, Chef Mickey’s, Boardwalk Hotel, Dolphin Hotel, Disney Vacation Club and the Disney Laundry Facility. In addition to working at Disney, some other projects included the Orange County Gun Range, Kissimmee Airport, Summit at Hunter’s Creek, The Villages at Southport, Orlando International Airport Expansion and Dillard’s at the Florida Mall. Contractors he worked with were Walker & Co. , Winter Park Construction, Bermuda Builders, Eldkor Properties, Aetna Construction, Mader Southeast, Commercial Woodworking and Carpentry, Berry Construction, MW Builders, Evans /Forrec and Oklahoma Installation company. Being a lead carpenter, crew leader and site manager, Bob decided to form his own company in 1998 called Taft Construction Services. He contracted as a construction site manager to area companies. Bob and Ann would like to thank CancerCare, American Cancer Society, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Gail at our local OUC office, Jim at Greenscape Mowing, St. Cloud Community Food Pantry, Colonial Medical Supply, their former neighbors, Norma, Kevin and their children, and the many strangers who helped Ann when he had a seizure in public. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Ann (Fox) Taft, of St. Cloud, FL, his mother, Frances Taft; Brothers Billy (Cindy), David (Lori); Sister, Debbie DeMayo (Michael), all from East Haven, CT, and a brother-in-law, Paul Fox Kritemeyer (Ellen) from Oxford, CT. He also leaves behind nieces, neph

Robert Edward Taft

January 5, 1956 - May 7, 2009