I didn’t know Bob Colletti when I first came across his memorial tribute on a bench in Herons Glen. What caught my attention was a simple but moving phrase: “Fair winds and a following sea.” It felt personal, meaningful, clearly more than just a quaint sentiment. Curious, I reached out to his widow, Kathleen Colletti, to learn more. What she shared revealed not only the story behind the words, but the remarkable life of the man so honored.
At first glance, it would have been easy to assume Bob simply loved sailing. That much was true, but it was only a small part of a much larger story. Kathleen shared a fuller picture: Bob was a devoted husband, a natural leader, and someone who embraced life with both energy and purpose. He and Kathleen shared 28 years of marriage, building a life rooted in partnership, adventure, and mutual respect.
Bob’s journey began in Rockville Centre, New York, where he attended St. Agnes Cathedral High School. Athletics came naturally to him. He was an avid golfer and sailor, and during his service in the U.S. Army, he stood out as a star pitcher for the Karlsruhe Spartans while stationed in Germany. His time in the military was just one example of the discipline and leadership that would define his life.
The water, however, was where Bob truly felt at home. An accomplished fisherman and sailor, he and Kathleen spent years exploring together sailing their 27-foot Ericson, COTI, along Long Island Sound, navigating the historic Canal du Midi in France, and captaining unforgettable excursions through the British Virgin Islands.
When Bob and Kathleen moved to Herons Glen in 2005, his impact on the community was immediate and lasting. He was a man who stepped forward whether leading the Saturday couples’ golf group, serving as an Adopt-a-Hole captain, or contributing to the events committee. He brought creativity and humor to everything he did, including persuading friends into being the beloved “ghouls” for a Herons Glen Halloween celebration and rallying others to join in with themed costumes.
But Bob’s influence extended beyond events and activities. He was known for his generosity, often organizing donation drives for neighbors or causes in need. He was also a skilled craftsman, creating handmade marble boards that became treasured items among friends. Whether planning end-of-season trips to Sebring or offering advice on home projects, Bob was someone people turned to, not just for solutions, but for support.
Residents Dale and Karen Roberts recall fishing trips with Bob on Cape Cod and describe him as “a captain in life.” Dale shared that Bob was not only a problem-solver with honest insight, but also a trusted confidante during difficult times.
Bob Colletti passed away on January 16, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with complications from COVID pneumonia. Though I never had the chance to meet him, it’s clear through the stories of those who did that his presence was deeply felt and still is.
That phrase which first sparked my curiosity now carries a much deeper meaning. It speaks not just of Bob’s love for the sea, but of a life lived with direction, strength, and heart.
And in Herons Glen, his memory continues to sail on.
Fair winds and a following sea, Bob, you will long be remembered.
