Robert Morris Courtright, 81, passed away on September 30, 2022. He was the youngest son of Edward and Eleanor Courtright . He was born in Lakewood, Ohio on March 27, 1941.
He graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio in 1964. He was Drum Major of his college Marching Band. Bobby enjoyed traveling, especially to Belgium and France where he was introduced to other baton twirling teachers at conventions. This later led to the formation of the Central Florida Twirling Institute. He began teaching classes at the YMCA. The classes grew in popularity and eventually He encouraged his students to perform in Christmas parades in various locations in the central Florida area. He formed classes in Orlando, Kissimmee and Bartow.
Bobby had a brilliant mind and unique talent as a choreographer and teacher of the art of Baton Twirling. He was adept at teaching various age groups, ranging from as young as 6 years to 18 year old high school seniors. He instilled in his students not only the skills of choreography, but character values, excellence in competition and the personal pride of striving to be your very best. As a tradition each year in the month of May, CFTI presented its annual show at Tupperware Auditorium in Kissimmee, FL. The magnitude of this show was equivalent to a Broadway production. Bobby went on to teach the art of twirling internationally in Belgium, with Twirling Studio Alken (TSA)and in Poissy, France. Students of CFTI traveled to Europe to perform along with TSA at the EiffelTower and at the Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium in 1981 and 1985.
In 1987 he went to work for the United States Postal Service. He retired from the USPS in 2003 after 16 years of dedicated service.
He is survived by his brother Edward Courtright and his wife, Donna of North Ridgeville, Ohio. He has nine nieces and nephews.
There will be a Celebration of Life at Park Lake Presbyterian Church, 309 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32801 on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. This will be followed by internment at Glen Haven Cemetery, 2300 Temple Drive, Winter Park 32789 at 12:30 P.M.