Nelson “Bob” Robert Tuttle, Jr., 76, of Palm Harbor, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026. Bob was born on July 18, 1949, in Binghamton, New York, to Nelson Robert Tuttle, Sr., and June Jenks Tuttle, who predeceased him.
In 1954, Bob and his family relocated to Pinellas County, Florida. He graduated from Clearwater High School. From 1969 to 1971, Bob served in the United States Army as a Combat Medic, fighting in Vietnam in 1970 with the 14th Combat Engineer Battalion. Following his military service, he earned an Associate of Science degree from St. Petersburg Junior College. Bob worked as a Respiratory Therapist for 33 years.
Bob is survived by his wife of 52 years, Susan Greco Tuttle; his son, Jason Robert Tuttle (Maria), of Tarpon Springs, Florida; his daughter, Kristen Renee Hoff (Josh), of Tarpon Springs, Florida; and his cherished grandchildren, Kendall Noel Hoff, Joshua Jay Hoff, Jr., and Benjamin Thomas Tuttle. He also is survived by his brother, Richard Palmer, of Coalmont, Tennessee, and his sister, Bonnie Keenan, of Lake Panasoffkee, Florida.
Bob lived life fully and joyfully. For decades, he played Wednesday-night volleyball, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. He also loved playing tennis – – even in the Florida afternoon heat. Bob rarely missed his fun-filled Thursday breakfasts and Friday lunches with friends.
He and Susan shared a love of travel, especially enjoying trips with friends to Italy and Jamaica, two of his favorite destinations.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Veterans Funeral Care, 830 North Belcher Road, Clearwater, Florida, on April 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s memory either to Southeast Beagle Rescue, Inc., 7300 SW 155 Street, Dunnellon, FL 34432 or at its website sebr.org; or to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at lbda.org.
Such a fun-loving guy! Bob’s levity will be missed at every gathering as will his family and friends miss him often. Thank God his soul is at rest after this struggle at the end. Not fair that such a good fellow had to go through this. The Buells send their love to Bob’s family.
Gonna miss you. Your friendship, loyalty, wit with a little sarcasm. You chose to live life to the fullest. Our lives intertwined as Vietnam Vets, SPJC (A.S.R.T) grads, R.R.T.’s
for 33 and 40 years respectfully, great loving wives, great children, fantastic grandchildren, mega FSU fans (Go Noles!). Love and sympathy for Susie, Kristen, Jason et al.
Safe travels old friend.
Such a beautiful tribute he is very lucky to have all of you as his loved ones. Sincere condolences to everyone in the loss of such a special person.
Dear Susie,
This is such a lovely photo and tribute to
Bob!
I only was able to meet Bob once or twice
but I loved hearing about the fun
times you two
seemed to
have together……traveling, sporting
events
and hanging with
friends. I am glad we at least were able
to have a visit with the 4 of us in the
Florida restaurant on the beach near
where you live.
I know you will miss him dearly so I
hope you find peace in him finding peace.
My very, very sincere condolences.
Stay well.
❤️ Joannie
My heart is heavy and thinking of my dear friends Jason, Kristen, and Susie. Bob was a special man, and someone I looked forward to seeing! During our chats, he lovingly referred to me as “Lizard”, wanted updates on my life and was genuinely interested. He was always happy, and wanted the best for everyone he knew. I will miss him just like anyone who was lucky enough to have known him.
It is sad to lose a good friend. Bob will be missed. Maybe it will help alleviate the pain by thinking of the good times. In the future, in Bob Tuttles honor, when we go to a restaurant, we can always say, “ It’s my birthday.” and see if we get a free meal. (That’s what Bob would do.) Rest in Peace, Bob!
Eulogy from Jason Tuttle:
I’d like to thank everyone for being here today to celebrate my dad’s life. He was a very social person who loved spending time with friends and family, so it’s no surprise that people have traveled from Chicago, Delaware, Tennessee, South Carolina, and across Florida to be here.
I remember hearing stories about time I spent with my dad when I was young, while my mom was working and before he went to school for respiratory therapy. Apparently, some of that time included me in a baby carrier, sitting on top of the bar at the Horseshoe Bar.
He loved both playing and watching sports. We spent a lot of time playing pool and tennis together, and he was always much better than I was at both. We had a pool table growing up, and while I eventually got pretty good, I’m not sure that I ever actually beat him. We also watched Florida State football together. I’ll never forget the look on his face the first time he saw me rooting for the Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium in 1996. From that point on, I became the black sheep, especially after my sister graduated from Florida State a few years later.
After I graduated high school, I wasn’t sure what direction to take. I hadn’t put much effort into school since science was the only subject that really interested me, and I didn’t know what kind of work would suit me. I remember talking with my dad about it, and he suggested I look into computers. That simple advice changed the trajectory of my life. I built a career in IT, that I’ve truly enjoy, and it all started with that conversation. My mom recently told me that he was very proud of that advice.
Along with his sense of humor, I’ve picked up a few of his sayings. When I’m about to pull into traffic, I catch myself saying, “We’re going for it.” Another one comes out when someone is about to do something like jump into a pool, right at the point where it’s too late for them to stop. That’s when he, and now I, would yell, “Wait, wait!”.
I used to tease my sister by telling her that I was like our mom and she was like our dad, because they were very different people. The part I left out was that being like our dad is also a great thing.
One of the last enjoyable moments I shared with my father was having chicken wings at Norton’s with my sister and Steve Kropp, just days before his rapid decline.
It’s been a difficult few years, and I’m very grateful for all the support my mom, sister, and his family and friends have given my dad throughout this time.
Watching someone you love go through dementia is incredibly difficult. In many ways, it feels like you begin losing them long before they’re gone. I’m grateful that he is finally at peace, and I hope that, in time, those of us who loved him will find that same peace as well.