Obituary of Robert 'Bob' E. Barnum

A VIDEO TRIBUTE OF BOBS GRAVESIDE SERVICE CAN BE FOUND BELOW.

Robert E. 'Bob' Barnum 64, local realtor and friend to many passed away March 27, 2020. He is survived by his brother Scott.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private burial will take place March 30, 2020 at Chapel Hill Memorial Park in Largo. Rabbi Alter Korf will officiate. The service will be livestreamed at 2:30 PM on Zoom at https//zoom.us/j/7979368112

Bob was the broker/owner of Earnest Realty, Inc and its sister company Earnest Mortgage Associates, Inc. He has been a realtor in Pinellas County for over 12 years and an active member of the Board of Realtors. Bob moved to the area from Long Island, New York when he was 16.

After a three year stint here, he moved back to New York to attend NYU, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business. In 1972, he returned to Pinellas County and founded and operated many successful businesses in the area. Despite his busy schedule, Bob found time to teach as an adjunct professor at USF and participate in various community projects. Bob was an involved with Temple B’nai Israel in Clearwater and Chabad of St. Petersburg.

Some of the projects he has been involved with include Footlight Theater, a local community theater, both as a supporter and a performer. He is an Honorary Thespian and has worked very closely with the Florida State Thespians. His passions have extended to supporting theater and the arts within the area schools. Bob has produced shows at local theaters; most recently “Kiss of the Spider Woman” at Central Stage Theater. He also worked hand-in-hand with The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center to bring “Diva Diaries” to life for its premier here in Tampa. Subsequently, the show went “on the road” and became a commercial success in Chicago, Illinois and Sunrise, Florida.

Bob was active with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Equality Florida, and CASA. He was on the board of directors of several corporations, and is a member of the host committee for Equality Florida. He was a Patron Sponsor for MDA, recently organizing and co-hosting a very successful “Evening with Charles Fazzino,” the well known multi-dimensional artist. At this successful event, 100% of the proceeds were donated to MDA, with all expenses generously paid for by the hosts.
Bob’s involvement with CASA began about two years ago, first as a victim seeking help, then as an advocate to stop Domestic Violence. His passions for CASA’s work continue to grow with time.

The care of Bob and his family have been entrusted to David C. Gross Funeral Home in St. Petersburg.