Robert Nidy

NIDY, ROBERT K., 92, passed away in his sleep on Monday, July 22nd, 2013. He was a lifelong resident of Winter Park, Florida. Robert was married to Margaret, "Peggy" Nidy for 66 years prior to her death in 2007. He is survived by his son, Lynn Nidy, his daughter, Roxanne Hinkle and his two grandchildren. Robert was born in Tampa in 1921 and his family moved to Winter Park in 1922.

During his lifetime Robert was an Eagle Scout and a Sea Scout, as well as a Quartermaster in the US Navy aboard the USS Gandy Destroyer Escort DE764. He spent most of the war escorting convoys across the North Atlantic and ended the war in the Pacific Theatre. He received the American Theatre Ribbon with a star for helping sink a German submarine that was attacking a US convoy. He also received the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre ribbon. While serving in the Navy he corrected the numerous charts and publications required to navigate the ship.

Upon returning from WWII, he took over his father's construction company in Winter Park. Over the coming years he expanded the business to include diverse projects throughout Florida as well as fourteen states, and five foreign countries. His tireless devotion to the company's high level of quality service throughout the coming decades made the family's three-generation business well respected throughout Florida, the United States, and internationally.

During Robert's life he was the President of the Winter Park Lion's Club, President of the Winter Park Half Century Club, and a member of the Review Board for the City of Winter Park. Robert was devoted to nature and the environment. He loved to sail, and built his first sailboat when he was still in his teens while in the Scouts. He sailed regularly throughout his life, and personally maintained the family's sailboat until he was in his mid-eighties.

Robert made countless friends throughout his lifetime due to his outgoing nature and vitality. This past year he received exceptional care from the staff of Regent's Park in Winter Park. Robert will be buried in a private family service at Palm Cemetery in Winter Park. His family suggests that instead of flowers, memorials be made to the Boy Scouts, the National Wildlife Fund, the ASPCA, or the Humane Society.