Robert Roosevelt Seider – April 23, 2025

Today, we gather to honor and celebrate the extraordinary life of Robert Roosevelt Seider.  Born June 2nd, 1934 in Braddock, Pennsylvania, Bob was shaped by the grit and resilience of the American spirit. A proud graduate of Swissvale High School, he carried the values of hard work, faith, and discipline into every chapter of his life. Raised in the Roman Catholic tradition, Bob’s faith was a guiding light, giving him strength in both the best and most challenging of times.

His life of service began early and spanned over three decades in the United States Army. Rising to the distinguished rank of Sergeant Major, Bob served his country with honor and courage, including a tour during the Vietnam War. For 30 years, he gave all of himself—body, mind, and spirit—to a cause greater than his own, embodying the very meaning of sacrifice and patriotism. He gave orders and took them, always with clarity and commitment, never losing sight of his mission or the people he served beside.

It was in Germany in the 1950s where Bob met the love of his life, Linde, and as the story goes, it was love at first sight and that love lasted for 61 years.  Bob was more than a soldier; he was a family man, a friend, and a neighbor. He is survived by his beloved son Bob, his devoted daughter-in-law Lori, and his treasured grandson Sean, in whom Bob’s legacy will continue to shine. He also leaves behind his dear sister Diana, who shared in the joy and journey of his remarkable life.

He was a proud and—at times, long-suffering—fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins. If you ever wanted to test Bob’s patience, just mention a bad call in a Buccos game. But beyond the sports and stories, Bob loved the simple pleasures—Saturday morning bratwursts, a well-worn coin collection, TV Cowboy shows where the good guy always wins, a good political debate, and the kind of conversation that could last hours, especially if he was doing most of the talking.

Bob had a heart of gold. Even as his years advanced, he refused to slow down. He traveled solo to California even at 90, never gave up driving, and still held firm to his independence—an embodiment of his resilience and stubborn pride.

And if you ever had the pleasure of saying goodbye to Bob, you likely heard his signature send-off: “Be careful.” Those two words, said with sincerity and care, captured so much of who he was—a protector, a guardian, a man always looking out for the people he loved.

So today, we say goodbye to a soldier, a father, a grandfather, a brother, and a friend who died April 23, 2025 in Colorado Springs.  We honor his service, cherish his stories, and carry forward his memory. Bob lived fully, loved deeply, and served faithfully. May he rest now in eternal peace, side by side with his beloved Linde.

And may we, as he would wish, always remember to be careful.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025 at Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery.