Robert Frank Mach, age 89, of Orange Park, FL (Moosehaven Retirement Community) died on Wednesday, April 24, 2019. Robert was born in Woodside, NY to the late Barney & Anna (Sup) Mach, on July 18, 1929. Robert served in the US Marine Corps, during the Korean War, and was an Engineering Equipment Mechanic. Robert earned a Bachelors and Master’s degrees in Education, and he had continued on earning credits towards a Doctorate Degree. Robert has been a resident of Florida since 1969, coming to Vero Beach from Greenlawn, NY. He worked as an educator in the Indian River Public School System. Following 20 years as a teacher, he worked for General Development as a General Contractor in Port St. Lucie, FL. Robert then opened Turn-Key Associates, as a Florida Licensed General Contractor, constructing homes and buildings in Port St. Lucie. After the death of his wife of 27 years, Marilyn (Mensick) Mach, in 1982, Robert moved to Gainesville, FL. He worked for the Building Department, City of Gainesville, as a Building Inspector of new construction and renovations. During his time in Gainesville, he dated, fell in love and married Frances Kelley, a true native of Gainesville. They enjoyed life together, traveling across the country in their motorhome. Robert and Frances moved into their retirement home in Live Oak in 2000. That same year he joined the Barrett Masonic Lodge, in Live Oak, FL where he completed all the required degrees to becoming a Master Mason or Third Degree, the highest of ancient craft Masonry. Once he received the Master Mason Degree, he became eligible to join the Morocco Shrine Temple. He worked his way up the Divan, and in 1998 he became Potentate of the Morocco Shrine Temple in Jacksonville, FL. Robert continued to be extremely active in many fraternal organizations throughout his years both in New York and Florida. The most recent in his latter years a member of both the Crescent City Moose Lodge #624 and Fraternal Order of the Eagles Lake Aerie #4355. In 2012, Robert moved to the Moosehaven Retirement Community. He was known to his family and friends as the Biggest Gator Fan Ever! Robert was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marilyn Mensick Mach in 1982, wife Frances Kelley Mach in 2004, and son, Robert A. Mach, in 2005. Robert is lovingly survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Barbara Mach & Michael Kirby, of Crescent City, FL. Granddaughter and her husband, Rene Mach & Jonathan Hounshell, of Gordonsville, VA. and great grandchildren, Makayla Jasinski and Robert C. Mach, both of Gordonsville, VA. Graveside Services will be held at Forest Meadows Memorial Park – East, 3700 SE Hawthorne Road, Gainesville, FL 32641. Gathering at the Graveside will be Monday, April 29, 2019, from 10:00-10:30 AM. The Masonic Services will be held at 10:30 AM. In Lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to either the FL Shriners Children’s Hospital in Tampa or the Masonic Home in St. Petersburg.
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