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TARPON SPRINGS - Robert "Bob" C. Weiskopf, a local businessman who loved classic cars and the city he lived in for 50 years, died Monday (Dec. 1, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital. He was 73.
Mr. Weiskopf was involved in numerous civic organizations during his years in Tarpon Springs. He was a three-term president of the Sunset Hills Elementary Parent Teachers Association, a past president of the Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce, and in 45 years, he didn't miss one local Rotary Club meeting.
He was given the keys to the city twice and helped create the Tarpon Springs Antique Car Show, among other activities.
"He loved old cars," said John Aide, Mr. Weiskopf's brother-in-law and a retired local businessman. "He had four or five nice cars. Real nice."
Mr. Weiskopf also owned several businesses in the area, including three photography stores in Tarpon Springs, New Port Richey and Dunedin, and a New Port Richey hotel. He took photographs in the Army during the Korean War and later was a contract photographer for the Clearwater Sun and the St. Petersburg Times.
He served on the Helen Ellis Hospital Foundation's board of directors for 12 years, six as president, and was a 20-year member of the Ellis Group of Banks board of directors. Mr. Weiskopf was also on the development board for the Anclote Manor Foundation as well as a past director of the Tarpon Art Association.
Mr. Weiskopf was heavily involved in the development of the county's road system. He served on the Governor's Committee of 100 for the refinancing of the Sunshine Skyway bridge, as well as the Committee for U.S. Highway 19 and the Pinellas Industry Council.
But for all his accomplishments, Aide said, Mr. Weiskopf put family first.
"He was a real family guy," Aide said. "And a real religious guy."
Mr. Weiskopf, a Roman Catholic, was active in the Tarpon Springs Old Timers, the Elks and the Jaycees, and was a first lieutenant in New Port Richey's volunteer fire department. He is survived by his wife, Shirley E.; two daughters, Lisa of Tampa, and Linda Risola, of Tarpon Springs; a son, Dan of Tarpon Springs; a brother, James Weiskopf of Houston; and seven grandchildren. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, 715 E Orange St., Tarpon Springs. The funeral is 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.