Bob Z. Katz, age 78, passed away on April 1st, 2026, surrounded by his wife and daughter, whom he loved more than anything in the world. He was born on March 8th, 1948, in Coral Gables, FL.

Bob grew up in Southwest Miami with his mother Adell, his stepfather Abe, and his grandmother. He had a true Miami childhood — spending as much time as possible outdoors and on the water, fishing, diving, and earning spending money during the summers picking watermelons.

He attended Blue Lake Elementary School, where he met his lifelong friend Richard after the two were sent to the principal's office for throwing rocks at one another. While the friendship has endured for decades, who started the fight has been lost to time. Bob went on to graduate from Southwest Miami Senior High School in 1967. He was a gifted athlete who excelled in multiple sports, particularly weightlifting and cross-country, and was an exceptional wide receiver for the Eagles, known for his ability to make over-the-shoulder catches.

Bob earned a full football scholarship to the University of Alabama, where he played under the legendary coach Bear Bryant until an injury ended his football career. He later received his Bachelor of Science from Florida State University in 1974.

Bob lived many lives in one. He was a jack of all trades, he proudly served as a US Marshal, worked as an accomplished salesman, and spent time as a semi-professional motorcycle racer. For the past 20 years, he was as a cherished and highly valued employee of Integrated Plant Management (IPM).

He was a storyteller at heart, and though he  never wrote a book, his life could have filled several. Some imagined chapter titles might have included:

Driving One of the First Dodge Chargers in Miami

Off-Roading a VW Bug Through Biscayne National Park

When Haldeman Introduced Me to Nixon

Meeting Elaine's Family: When a "Small" Gathering Meant 100+ People

An "Amateur's" Guide to Gunsmithing

Hunting 101: Leading Grizzly Bear Hunts in "No Man's Land," Alaska

Hunting 102: Shooting a Deer off Your Sister-in-Law's Porch

When asked about his greatest accomplishments, Bob's answer was always the same: "Getting Elaine to marry me," and being Haley's dad, his "miracle child."

Bob loved working with guns, shooting, and hunting. He found peace in nature and joy in time spent with family. Despite graduating from Florida State, he remained a Miami boy at heart and was a devoted fan of the Miami Hurricanes football team and the Miami Dolphins.

Bob is survived by his wife Elaine, together 35 years, and his beloved daughter, Haley. He was preceded in death by his parents and his best man, Bill Murphy. He was the kind of man who never meet a stranger and would always lend a hand when need. He brought warmth, humor, and an ease that made people feel at home, and he will be deeply missed.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at the Lorne and Sons Funeral Home, 745 NE 6th Avenue, (North federal Highway), Delray Beach, FL 33483.