Robert E. Jackson Sr., 88, former Mayor of Largo, Florida entered the Gates of Heaven on February 20, 2022, at his home with his family by his side. He was born on April 17, 1933 in Colebrook, New Hampshire to his parents Carroll and Pauline Jackson. Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lucille: four children Robert E. Jackson, Jr. (his wife Sally), Francine Harvey (her husband Bob), James M. Jackson, and Christine Fava (her husband John). He has 7 grandchildren Jessica, Sarah, Daniel, Garrath, Reid, Nicole, and Matt. He has 5 great-grandchildren. He was the 4th of 13 children and is survived by brothers: Carroll Jr. (Tom) Colebrook, NH, Ted, Washington DC, and sisters Joanne Carlson, Portland, Maine, Shirley Jackson, Portland, ME, Jeanine Fitzpatrick, Brunswick, ME, Helen Curtis Welsco, Texas. He is predeceased by his brothers: David, Richard, Paul, William, and sisters Joyce Frizzell, and Audrey Templeton. He has many surviving nieces and nephews.
Mayor Jackson served three years in the United States Army where he spent the majority of his time in Germany where he was an Honor Graduate of the 7th Army NCO Academy in Munich.
His college experience includes his B.Ed. in mathematics, Plymouth State Teacher’s College, M.Ed. Guidance and Counseling from the University of Florida, and a Ph.D., also from the University of South Florida.
Mayor Jackson took great pride in serving the community of Largo. He served his community in many capacities including being a city commissioner in Largo from 1974 until he was elected Mayor of Largo in 2000. A couple of points of pride for Mayor Jackson was his involvement in the creation of Largo Central Park and the Largo Library. Mayor Jackson also enjoyed 29 years as an educator in Pinellas County Schools, 17 of those years as principal of schools including Clearwater Exceptional Student Center, Paul B. Stephens School, Osceola Middle School and retiring from Southside Fundamental in 1997.
Mayor Jackson took great pride in his church St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church as a Lay Minister, a member of Largo Rotary Club, Largo Elks Club, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, Family Counseling Center Advisory Board, Council for Exceptional Children, Pinellas Administrators Association, Middle School Principal’s Association, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Advisory Board, he was vice chair of the Pinellas Planning Council, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Greater Largo Chamber of Commerce, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and a Life Member, Friends of the Largo Public Library.
Mayor Jackson’s Honors and Achievements include Phi Delta Kappa Honorary Education Fraternity, Outstanding Educator Award (1977), Commissioner of Education’s Principal Excellence Award (1994), Distinguished Service Award, Pinellas Council of Teachers of Mathematics (1996), National Community Service Award (1997) and a Life Member, Florida Congress of Parents and Teachers.
He loved his family and everyone he met became a friend. He kept his great sense of humor all the way to the end. He will be missed by many.
A “Celebration of Life” service is scheduled at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 5, 2022 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1955 South Belcher Road, Clearwater, Florida 33764.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in the Memory of Robert E. Jackson Sr. VETERANS FUNERAL CARE 727-524-9202
To Lou and the Family,
It was a great pleasure to serve with your husband and father on the Largo Commission.
Learned a lot and loved his stories.
May His Memory Be Eternal
Bob and Harriet Crozier
As Commissioners we sat at opposite ends of the dais yet were anchored in our frequent and allied opposition to issues and local legislation which both of us considered necessarily debatable and Bob took pride as I did in ensuring debate was open, insightful and clear to all and decisions made truly beneficial to Largo. His lengthy service to the City of Largo as an elected leader and a true representative of his constituents, as well as his activities in community service is a record that I know he was proud of and which his family should also take great pride of in his lifetime of positive and beneficial service. In the short time I knew and served with Bob, it was my pleasure and honor to do so.
Lucille and family we are sorry for your loss. We got to know Bob during his twice daily dog walks through the neighborhood. We looked forward to saying hello daily. We never knew he was such a modest and very well accomplished man. May peace be with your family during the healing. Dwayne and William
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Love and prayers for you, Lucille, and the rest of the family.
Our community has lost an incredible man! He will always hold a special place in my heart. His passion for helping children grow into knowledgeable contributing adults, his dedication to our city, and his tremendous faith made him a true role model for those willing to follow his lead. He had a great sense of humor and loved to joke with everyone he met. I will always treasure the years we worked together. He helped me to become a better teacher and administrator. The stories I carry with me will keep his spirit with me always.
To Lucille and family, we send our heartfelt condolences on Bob’s passing. A great loss of a true and kind gentleman, teacher and civic leader. We always treasured the years we were neighbors and the love you and Bob spread throughout the neighborhood. Whenever we couldn’t find Josh, we called your house because that was always his preferred destination. Those are fond memories that we always will have. May Bob’s memory serve as a blessing for your family for all time.
Nancy and Alan Bomstein.
I loved Dr. Jackson. He was my principal at SFMS. We had a rocky start, but he and I connected. He wrote a wonderful recommendation letter and I received a scholarship because of him. Later, he became a neighbor and I would see him walk the neighborhood with his dog and we would chat. Although I had not seen him in a few years, he always remained in my thoughts. He was kind, funny, and a good, genuine soul. RIP
So sorry to hear of his passing. Was always great to see him at family reunions. His family is in my thoughts.
Lucille and Family sorry to here about Bob I was looking forward to visiting .We left Maine to late to be able to see him and have our talks about Colebrook Nh and him riding his utv .we had a lot in common especially the love of the outdoors Anita and I visited him and Lucille in Cole brook a couple of times when they were in the process of moving to Fl and then visited in Fl. I talked to him in Dec about when we were coming to Fl we were both anxious to see each other.
Robert was an excellent mayor of Largo. He visited the Narrows Nature Park (now McGough) and was exceptionally friendly and caring to all. We appreciated his attendance at our special events. His daughter, was also a very good Assistant Principal @Belcher Elementary School when I briefly worked there.
RIP 🪦 Mr Jackson
Dr. Jackson was my first principal as I began my teaching career directly out of college at Safety Harbor Exceptional School in 1980. He was a true advocate for students and always put their best interests first. He challenged me to better my teaching methods and manage student behaviors more effectively. His guidance and support helped me successfully complete my first year of teaching which led to 35 more years of working with exceptional students in Pinellas County Schools. I will never forget the impact his leadership had on me. My deepest condolences to Dr. Jackson’s family and friends on their loss.
Dear Lucille,
We remember the many great times we had together over the years. Bob was so funny and he loved you and his family so very much. We miss having those shared moments as our lives and health issues take us in different directions. Know that we are thinking of you at this time.
Pat and I were sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. He certainly lived a full life and had a positive impact on a large number of people. The world is a better place because of him.