Robert “Rob” Jules Lerner

Robert “Rob” Jules Lerner, age 61, passed away peacefully in Cape Coral, Florida on Wednesday, July 29, 2020.  

Robert was born on February 3, 1959 in Brooklyn, New York to Robert and Nancy. He studied Agricultural Science at Rutgers University, earning an associate degree, then becoming the youngest golf course superintendent in the U.S. with American Golf Corporation, setting the gold standard for courses around the nation.

He had a strong entrepreneurial spirit, opening an agricultural chemical business for farms in Florida, building relationships and learning conversational Spanish. He later became a licensed HVAC contractor for 20 years by starting Direct Heating and Cooling in Cape Coral, and then ASAP Heating and Cooling and Home Services.

Robert said his purpose in life was to make people smile. He did that with his charismatic charm and terrific sense of humor. He was genuine, thoughtful, caring, and selfless. He was charitable, giving to those less fortunate. He could always be counted on to help a friend or family member in need. Without a doubt Robert had the biggest heart, he entered someone’s life leaving a lasting impression.

He loved family, travel, landscape design, and his three dogs—Bubba, Ramona, and Layla. He was the glue that held people together, always happy to break bread with those he cared most about. He was a fabulous cook, choosing each ingredient with love, creating beautiful dishes and ready to do so at any hour of the day.

As a Brooklyn native, he was passionate about the Yankees and Giants. Growing up he was an all-star baseball player and had a lifetime love of sports. He was direct, sincere, humorous, and lived life his own way. He was often known for his magic tricks and cheesy jokes. He was a fantastic mentor to those around him and many close to him came to him for advice. He had an incredibly special bond with his daughter Jessica, a relationship of true unconditional love.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Jessica (fiancé Carrington Schwebel), of Cape Coral, Florida; the mother of his daughter, Mitzie Fox Lerner (Diango) of Cape Coral, Florida; granddaughter, Isabella; father, Robert Lerner (Rosie) of Whiting, New Jersey; his siblings, Dolores Larangeria of Manhattan, New York, Diane Breen of Atlanta, Georgia, Antoinette Cassels of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Chris Iacone (Lori), of McConnelsville, Ohio; his many nieces and nephews; as well as his significant other, Roma Testa, of Naples, Florida.

He was predeceased by his mother Nancy, older sister Joanne, and younger brother Danny.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at Mullins Memorial, 3654 Palm Beach Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33916. Per CDC COVID-19 guidelines, Mullins Memorial suggests that all participants wear a mask. We remind everyone to maintain Social Distancing while in our facilities.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Robert “Rob” Jules Lerner are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.