Death date: May 25, 2019
Robert Joseph “R.J.” Doody, 76, of St. Petersburg, died May 25. He was an educator, counselor, human services professional, and volunteer. R.J.’s goal was to live a meaningful life, and he sought to enrich his community wherever h Read Obituary
He will always be Mr. Doody to me. He was my English teacher at St. Anselm's High School here in Pittsburgh. He shared a love of literature and opened up a world of adult literature for us including Thomas Wolfe. I am glad to say that because of him I always wanted to be a writer and I am now.
Dear Jane and Jennifer,
Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss. Terry and I were away on a month-long road trip when we were shocked by the notice of his death. Unfortunately, we were away again on the date of his service. When Jamal (our son) died, RJ was so kind and patient with us offering his advice on dealing with our loss. At the same time, I saw the pain and sadness in his eyes. He always wanted to do the right thing – to never offend and always saw more in you than you saw in yourself. His value of continuous learning rubbed off on me and I have continued it during my retirement. Enjoyed working with him during my time at JWB; he was such a gentleman.
Elithia V. Stanfield
Jane and Jennifer,
I am so sad to hear of RJ's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at JWB for 20 years on conferences and strategic initiatives. My favorite was trying to get him to not use the password 12345 or password123. It never really worked and we gave up trying, because he really didn't like to use the computer anyway.
He mentored me through my early days at the "Cabinet" meetings and through the many changes over the years. But RJ was one thing - always trying to be supportive and kind. He had a great smile that would make other smile back.
RJ will be remembered and his name will be repeated for years to come.
Pat Gehant
RJ was an exceptional human being who spent every day improving the lives of all who crossed his path. He always had an encouraging thought or inspiring message to share that was just right for the occasion. He saw the infinite potential in each person and it was his mission to help you see it too. I was lucky enough to be one of those individuals who had the privilege of working with and for RJ at JWB. He was a great mentor and friend. RJ freely shared his knowledge, compassion and wisdom. I am a better person for knowing him. He was an angel on earth and now is one in heaven. Rest in peace my dear friend. Sending hugs to his family and friends. Mary Ann Goodrich
Dear Jane and Jennifer,
Our deepest sympathies are with you on this very sad occasion. We certainly have the fondest memories of RJ, from having been a PEL student of his to traveling in Europe and in this country with the two of you. RJ has been in inspiration to us in many ways. He will long be remembered...and missed.
Chris and Karen Sterner
Dear Jane and family
My deepest sympathy to you all. I had the pleasure of working with R.J. for over 20 years at the Juvenile Welfare Board. He was such an inspiration to all who knew him. I always loved hearing about all your trips to Germany, Switzerland, etc. which he loved doing so much. Each time he returned from a trip, he would tell us you were planning the next one. He will be missed very much by all who had the great pleasure of knowing him.
Debbie Bremer
Dear Jane and family,
Please except our deepest sympathies for RJ’s passing. I had the privilege of working with him at JWB for over 20 years. He helped to establish the premier training and library system, in Pinellas County and surrounding communities, geared towards professionals in social services. RJ was highly respected and was the consummate role model for lifelong learning and teaching. I always enjoyed talking with and learning form RJ. He touched so many especially his teaching days at Eckerd College. Over the years I came across so many people that he had encouraged to get additional education and training to enhance their lives.
He was one of a kind and he will be missed!
Mike and Sue Stone
Dear Jane and family,
I was blessed to have worked with R.J. at JWB in the Library/Training Department from 2002 until his retirement. He was one of the kindest men I have ever met and a wonderful mentor and encourager. I so enjoyed when he would come back to JWB to visit and pick up materials for his Eckerd classes. On one such visit he asked if I had enrolled back in college yet and when I told him I hadn’t he wrote an encouraging note on the last day of my desk calendar. I saw that note months later and it was one of the catalysts for me to start night classes at SPC. Life intervened once again and delayed my educational goals, but I never gave up, and finally graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Arts degree in 2017 with plans for further education. R J. meant so much to me and the many others whose lives he touched. You are in my prayers and have my deepest sympathies.
Jennie Edwards Greeley
R. J. was a wonderful person who cared greatly for his community and gave generously to make it stronger. He was helpful to colleagues and co-workers and uplifted those around him.
