Birth date: Feb 8, 1960 Death date: Feb 8, 2022
Robert John Scanlan of Tampa passed away Tuesday, February 8th on his 62nd birthday. A Florida native, he was born in Orlando to Edward and Marion Scanlan and grew up in Brandon. He spent his formative years as a stellar student a Read Obituary
Rob and I crossed professional paths many times over the last 30 years. We co-defended cases, we litigated against each other and Rob served as a mediator for cases. Bottom line, he is the eptimomy of what it means to be both a gentleman and a professional. He never failed to bring a smile to my face and as someone else said, "he never met a stranger". He was one of a kind and my heart goes out to his family, whom I have never met, but whom I know are missing a giant.
This is a shock. Rob is indeed a very special guy. My wife Katie and I became fast friends with Rob and Katie early in our (28 years now) marriage while we lived in Tampa. We first met when I hit a much longer than expected drive off the tee at Rocky Point into a couple folks that I could barely see in the distance. Apologies followed and I met this very cool couple named Rob and Katie. Being new to Tampa I was invited to watch the last Johnny Carson show at their apartment on Bayshore. I'll never forget their hospitality. Rob and I clicked, Katie and Katie clicked, Rob and Katie came up to Atlanta for our wedding and I was able to attend theirs at the Don Cesar. Rob's brother Chip even repaired my shoulder after a boating incident. We moved back to Atlanta, and lost touch over the years, but you guys were always on our minds. Rob and I did talk a couple years ago and caught up, lamenting getting older, and how proud he is of his girls, but it pales to actually being there personally. I wish I could give you a big bear hug my man. I love, and will miss you Brother...
On behalf of the Crumbley family (another large Nativity family), we were all saddened to hear about your loss! I personally had a recent interaction with Rob when he allowed me to observe one of his mediations to obtain my certification. He was so helpful and kind! My brothers and sisters, Chip, Joe and Judy Crumbley, were all closer in age to to Rob and of course knew him better in school, but Nativity was a small school so Mary Beth and I also knew the Scanlan family. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time!
Debbie (Crumbley) Brown
I am so sorry to hear that Rob had passed away. I knew his Mom. I worked with her at MHC school and got to meet Chip, Kay-zee, Rob and Elizabeth. I admired what love and admiration they all showed their mother. My condolences to you all.
MaryAnn Russo
Dear Katie,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you ❤️
Jane Corba
I met Rob at the Tribune decades ago when he worked as a stringer. He was such a great guy, always smiling, always wanting to have a good time. He went on to better things, of course. I had not seen him in some time, but we did cross paths at Lightning games or downtown, and he never lost his outgoing, friendly nature. He could be serious, insightful and professional, but never lost his fun-shine. This is a big loss for anyone who knew him. My condolences to his family and friends. He was one of the good ones.
I'm sure it would be hard to find anyone from Brandon High School during the glory days who didn't know Robbie Scanlan. Which is saying a lot in a school with over 3,000 kids in 3 grades on double sessions. Our graduating class had over 900 kids. And Robbie was at the center of it all. He was famous. I was not. I knew Robbie from his days growing up at Nativity Catholic School. Our mothers became friends through Nativity. Later he and fellow Nativity graduates ran Brandon High School from 1975 to 1978. He was Mr. Brandon High School. He was a rock star, and everyone loved him! But he was so humble! He made everyone he met feel special. He was a born leader. I had the good fortune of running into Robbie throughout the years after high school. He always greeted me with the warmest of smiles and hugs like a long lost friend. And he always wanted to know what was new with me. There was our 20th high school reunion when I met the beautiful fiery Irish lass named Katie who he had fallen head over heels for and married. She was the perfect partner for Robbie. Beautiful, strong, funny, smart and with a heart as big as his. After that, I'd see him from time to time at two of my favorite places; Mary Help of Christians (where his mother worked as the church secretary for many years) and Academy of the Holy Names where I got to watch one of his talented and beautiful daughters play volleyball. I could see the love and pride all over his face at that game! He had so much to be proud of with his 3 beautiful ladies. Katie, Kate and Megan. But Robbie's light just shone no matter what he was doing. He couldn't keep it in. That's why people were drawn to him. He had a beautiful light burning inside that he shared with everyone he met. I still can't believe he is no longer with us here, but I know that he is with us in spirit and that he has been welcomed home by his heavenly Father who has said "Well done my good and faithful servant." Robbie you showed us how to do it and I am so glad I got to see it. Sending our love and prayers to your family during this most difficult time.
Debbie Love McCarthy
Class of 1978
When Tim Anderson Sr. died unexpectedly, Mr. Scanlan was one of the first people to come to our law office to make sure we were all OK and express his sadness at our loss. Such a kind thing to do.
Becky Lamson
My condolences to the Scanlan family and friends. I met Rob when he was at Barr Murman Tonelli doing work for Royal Insurance. Such a wonderful person and a huge loss for those that knew him and for those that never met him.
