Bob A. Anderson

Born to Ellen (Nellie) Brady in New York City and raised in Hell’s Kitchen. He never knew his own birth father and always maintained he basically raised himself. While his mother did marry at least two more times Bob always considered himself an outsider and, to our knowledge, was fine with that label. Growing up in the depression days definitely shaped his values and will to live no matter the challenges.

After completing the 8th grade and being “asked” to leave school Bob figured out how to survive on the streets of NYC. Playing stickball, selling newspapers, sneaking peeks of the New York Yankees were some of his of interests in life as a young man. At some point in his teenage years he stumbled upon roller skating and his life was forever changed. He became obsessed with skating and did it at every chance. He joined a team and found a coach to help. He always maintained he was not the most talented nor the best skater… simply driven and, one of the most stubborn folks many of us knew. Quitting and listening to what “they” say were not characteristics of Bob. Funny enough, he found success in the team sport of Fours Skating (basically two pair teams skating as one unit).

At 21 years of age he was drafted into the U.S. Army and began his service May 16, 1951 After basic training he was shipped to Korea and ended up in the 25th Division, 14th Regiment ‘E’ Company as a Captain’s Radio Man. This role was a tough one he rarely spoke of unless asked. Some of his best memories of that time were getting in trouble. As we all know he was not one to take orders or do what others thought was best. One great story: he was made to move a smoldering mattress outside the barracks and, foolishly, leaned it against the wooden barracks… that didn’t end well! He earned a Korean Service Medal, two Bronze Service Stars, a Combat Infantry Badge and a United Nations Ribbon. At least one of those stars was earned carrying a mortally injured medic out of the battle field under heavy fire. That young man, Bryant Womack, was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and has the Womack Army Medical Center named after him at Fort Bragg. When asked about this Bob simply said, “I did what I had to do” and stayed alive!

Upon his return to the states, he had a few odd jobs and returned to his goal of being a rollerskating champion. Again, drive and plain stubbornness helped him achieve just that. He and his teammates won the National Fours Championships 3 times. He also moved a couple times to achieve this goal. These moves brought him to Chicago and Peoria, IL and, after winning the last of those championships he somehow ended up in Texas. Skating never left his veins and he began coaching. He coached several National Champion and talented skaters, many of whom are still very active in the sport and business. During this time he met and married Annelle. Many questioned how he managed this and, we’re sure, some still do! They eventually ended up on the business side of skating at the Holiday Roller Rink and then built Hurst Skateland. At this point. His coaching career took off to extraordinary heights at the Regional, National and World level. He traveled the globe with skaters, including well known pair teams and free skaters. Bob went on the be inducted into the USA Roller Sports Coaches Hall of Fame as well as receiving the distinction of SRSTA Life Membership.

Bob and Annelle have enjoyed 58 years of marriage alongside their kids and business partnership. During this time they opened 2 other roller rinks and had business interests in at least 3 other rinks. Roller skating is one of the true loves of his life along with raising a family, playing cards with good friends, and being a Yankee fan for life.

Bob is survived by his wife, Annelle; Stepchildren Patty Lovelace (Don), Harry Walker (Lori); Son Robert Anderson (Jennie), Daughter Nellie Lillie (Robb); Grandchildren James Walker (Mary), Dillon Lovelace (Amanda), Genevieve Lillie, Lucy Anderson; Great Grandchildren Macey Lovelace, Elle Walker and Skylar Walker. Bob was preceded in death by grandson Lyle Walker (Kristie).

He would be extremely upset if we all made a big sad, deal out of this. Instead, live life, work hard, laugh, pull pranks and roller skate.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the National Museum of Roller Skating: https://my-site-101522101634.square.site