Robert Anderson, Riddle III, 67, passed away peacefully early on April 23, 2023 at his home in Orlando, Florida. Andy was a loving husband to Lori Boskovich Riddle and a caring father to sons Anderson and George. His wife and sons faithfully cared for him during his battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born in Jacksonville, Florida on March 16, 1956 and moved to Orlando in the late 60’s where he graduated from Edgewater High School in 1974 and attended college at the University of South Florida.
His engaging personality and strong work ethic saw him through a 40-year bartending career where he helped open 14 restaurants. He began his career in the service industry at an early age working at notable Orlando and Winter Park area locations.
They included the Hyatt Grand Cypress where he met his spouse 30-plus years ago through the seemingly ubiquitous Disney properties and at the first Season’s 52 location. Recent history includes years of sweet memories at the Ravenous Pig. Anderson recently recalled his time there as “where customers and colleagues alike became lifelong friends.” It was there that a local magazine honored him with a”Friendliest Bartender” award.
Unpretentious throughout, he could comfortably spin a conversation with an accomplished sommelier or share a unique find with patrons or friends with an understated ‘give this a try’ and a wry grin.
Locals found in him a friend often ready to try a new locale or hear an eclectic concert. Orlando visitors found in him a wellspring of enthusiasm for small gems worth visiting for a unique meal or fun excursion.
His sense of fun was most evident when getting on the water. He was game to welcome others to join in cruising or fishing — from the surf’s edge through exploring mud flats or the Intracoastal Waterway.
He enjoyed practicing yoga, reading a good novel, writing his own novel and trips to Key West. His other long-time passion was working in real estate. From land developer to landlord, Anderson acquired, refurbished, and sold properties made better through his skills as a master carpenter.
One of his favorite things was driving with his wife and looking for potential real estate projects. His colorful sense of humor, sharp wit, and creative spirit was evident as he transformed otherwise “junky” houses into beautiful homes. He’d often incorporate unique items from Craig’s List, the Habitat ReStore, and discarded/found objects. He was most proud of the beach house he renovated for his family in New Smyrna Beach.
From planning remodels to creative cookery for family, Anderson was always on deck with a new spin on adding life to an old layout or adding spice to a traditional recipe or festive signature beverage formula.
Knowing the eclectic restaurants of New Smyrna Beach or how to make the most of “what’s in the cupboard” condo dinner-fixin’ sessions with family.
Over the last few years Anderson has been a small part of supporting an outreach ministry, serving South Apopka. During the last few months of tribulation, supporting this ministry grew into a passion for him.
Anderson saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to help change the course of severely at-risk youth, give counsel to those who have lost or never truly found their faith, and be a comfort to believers in the community who have found themselves in circumstances that require the unrestrained power of the spirit.
End Time Word Ministry – Awaken for Hope is an outreach street ministry serving South Apopka, Zellwood and Plymouth Florida. The ministry’s primary purpose is to bring the love of Jesus Christ and the hope of salvation to the children, youth and adults living in these neighborhoods.
Anderson hoped friends would consider supporting this ministry. If you would like to make a contribution in his memory, tax-deductible donations may be made to the National Christian Foundation until End Time Word Ministry has received their non-profit status.
Anderson is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lori Boskovich Riddle, children: Robert Anderson Riddle IV, George Patrick Riddle; siblings Eugenia (Joe) Sefcik, Allison (Bob) Brammer and Tom (Ginger) Riddle; brother-in-law Vincent (Tina) Boskovich; sister-in-law Trish (Mark) Parker and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert “Bob” and Mary Jean Riddle.
A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, May 17 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the Ravenous Pig Patio, 565 W. Fairbanks, Ave., Winter Park, FL.