Altizer, Robert Kolmer

Robert Kolmer (Bob) Altizer, 84, died on March 1, 2015. In life, he was always loyal to Virginia Tech, his friends, his church and his family. He was born in Christiansburg, Va., on May 25, 1930, to Virginia and Robert Lee Altizer. Bob was a most proud 1956 graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and for the rest of his life, a true Hokie!

He enlisted as an infantryman in the United States Army. After his service years he began teaching high school in North Carolina where he married Paula Divine Altizer of Myrtle Beach, S.C. They moved to Boca Raton, Fla., in 1961. There he taught sciences. After earning a masters degree at FAU and additional science education studies at Bowdoin College, Georgia Southern University and Mississippi State University, he enrolled in 1971 for doctoral studies at the University of Virginia. In 1973 he returned to Boca to work in Palm Beach County’s schools until his retirement.

He was a faithful member of First Christian Church. Every year he looked forward to, talked about, and then enjoyed trips to Virginia to hunt and fish with his dearest and truest friend, Wayne Williams of Bath County, and then to visit old friends in Christiansburg.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years; children, Kathleen Meyer and Virginia Eliza “Beth” Fleming and John Divine Altizer; his sons-in-law, Scott Meyer, MD and Jack Fleming; and his treasured grandchildren, Kathleen Fleming, Allison Fleming and John Thomas Fleming who adored their “Bopa.”

A memorial service was held at Via Mizner Golf & Country Club on March 8, 2015.