Obituary of Robert Anthony Rovan

Robert Anthony Rovan was born July 29, 1925 in Lorain, OH to Anton and Angela Rovan and passed away on March 11, 2018 in Tucson. His parents had emigrated from the area now called Slovenia. He was their only child. Bob graduated from high school and enlisted in the US Navy two weeks later. He was proud to serve his country in 4 major invasions: Normandy, southern France, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. In 1946 he enrolled in Bowling Green State University and then transferred to Arizona State University in 1948 from where he graduated in 1950. His marriage to Carol Chrisman of Ohio (now deceased) produced two children Scott and Karen. In 1981 he married Martie Gentry who brought three beautiful daughters into the family. While attending ASU, he received an athletic letter from his work with the baseball team. After graduation he made Phoenix his home. In 1960 he moved the family to Tucson and became an insurance agent. He spent his professional life, almost 50 years, as an independent insurance agent serving his customers well. He was involved with the Tucson and Arizona Associations of Independent Agents, ultimately serving as president in each. In 1995 Bob received the honor of being inducted into the Arizona Insurance Agents Hall of Fame. Bob was a member of Blue Goose since 1955. He served as Loyal Gander of the Tucson pond from 2008-2010. Bob married the love of his life, Martie, on June 27, 1981. They enjoyed an active life with friends and family. In his early years Bob was an avid baseball and softball player and later took up golf and tennis and was very fortunate to have played tennis with the same three people for over 20 years. He also was a participant in the Senior Olympics for many years, winning multiple medals for sprints, through the age of 80. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his close cousin, John Jakopin. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Martie; children, Scott Rovan, Karen Ford & husband, Tom, Gina Gentry, Rhonda Gentry, Jennifer Gentry & husband, Jason Simpson, and five wonderful grandchildren. Memorial service pending at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Tucson. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to either Honor Flight of Southern Arizona or Peppi's House (TMC Hospice).