Robert J. Allegroe (Bob) peacefully left this world for his next adventure on Saturday, January 27, 2024. He was 95 years old.
Born in October 1928, Bob was the son of the late Eric and Clara Kochanowski. While in high school Bob was a track star and the fastest sprinter in the state of Illinois. He enlisted in the Army where he was stationed in Panama and played accordion in the Army band, entertaining troops at the base. He attended the University of Illinois.
After leaving the University, Bob continued his passion for music and entertainment, opening a music store named Allegroe School of Music. He taught accordion to all ages and started a band called the One Plus One, performing nationally. Bob had the opportunity to play in many venues, including Al Hirt’s club in New Orleans, Seattle World’s Fair and the Las Vegas strip. He was also involved annually with the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon to benefit MDA. While performing at a nightclub at Geneva on the Lake in Ohio, he met Barbara Nims. They married in March 1958 and had two sons, Mark and Greg, both of Apopka.
Bob became a McDonald’s owner operator in 1972, operating multiple restaurants in Apopka, Forest City, Lockhart, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Clermont, Davenport, until retiring in 2018. He was an active community partner and member of United Methodist Church of Apopka. Residents knew Bob was on the roads, sporting “Big Mac” license plates, throughout the years. He could regularly be seen in his McDonald’s restaurants and knew most of his customers and community partners by name.
Bob’s commitment to McDonald’s was solid and throughout the years he received several awards, recognitions, and nominations including Chairman of the McDonald’s National Operators Advisory Board, Co-Op President, Leadership Council Chairman, Government Relations Steering Committee member, Chamber of Commerce member (awarded Businessman of the Year in 2011), Rotarian, Florida Hospital Board member, Partner in Education with local schools, Edgewood Boy’s Ranch supporter, Apopka Foliage Festival supporter, Sertoma member, and member of the Zoning/Signage Board Committee of Apopka. Bob received two prestigious Ronald Awards from McDonald’s.. For many years he emceed the annual Christmas Parade. Bob also awarded several athletic scholarships to high school graduates. In 1976 Bob raised money through McDonald’s promotions to send the Apopka High School Band to the International Music Festival in Europe. He also assisted with and donated to community fundraisers. Bob was also an active participant and supporter of Ronald McDonald House Childrens Charities.
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” was one of Bob’s favorite sayings. He certainly made a good first impression on everyone he met.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Barbara Allegroe; children Mark (Nadia) Allegroe and Greg Allegroe; grandchildren Eric Allegroe, Adam (Coral) Allegroe, Aaron Allegroe, Jordan (Amber) Allegroe, Victor (Lili) Alvarez and Monica Rodriguez; as well as 10 great grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by his extended family, loved ones and friends.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to.. https://secure3.convio.net/rmhccf/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30040b?idb=376470776&1400.donation=form1&df_id=1400&mfc_pref=T&NONCE_TOKEN=9644DF390996967ED17DFD063F6FCA2F&idb=0
Service
Visitation
First United Methodist Church
201 S Park Ave, Apopka, FL 32703
February 9, 2024
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Funeral
First United Methodist Church
201 S Park Ave, Apopka, FL 32703
February 9, 20242:00pm - 3:00pm
Graveside
Edgewood Greenwood Cemetery
141 Edgewood Drive, Apopka, Florida 32703
February 9, 20243:30pm
This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
Apopka, FL 32712-3452
Victoria Boozer says
When I look back on my McDonald’s past, some people automatically come to mind. Bob is one of those people. Always an optimist, always a gentleman and always one of the most joyful and fun people to be around in the business. Rest In Peace Bob. My deepest sympathies to Barbara and his family.
Louie Mele says
Deepest condolences to the family….RIP my friend….Louie W Mele
Melanie King (formerly of Apopka FL) says
Eric, Greg, Mark & Family, sorry to learn of Mr. Allegroe passing. I worked at the Apopka McDonald’s my 1st job in the summer of 1987 until November 1987. Thankful for giving an 18 year old her 1st job! To this day at 54 I am still cashiering for Circle K in Georgia. Hugs & prayers today and every day. May he rest in peace
Sandra Lee Weeks-Hubbard says
My most sincere condolences to Barbara, Mark, Greg and family!
Cindy Walker says
Bob & Barbara, we neighbors of mine at the Inlet Condo and New Smyrna Beach where he contributed even more of his time and energy to our condo and its activities. God bless his friends and family..
Cindy Walker says
Farm And Barbara was great neighbors of mine at Inlet Condo for so many years. He contributed a lot of money, time and energy to that building. God bless his friends and family.
martha a hutto says
to Barbara and her family. please accept my heartfelt condolences for Bob. I Remember his awesome smile and his kindness he showed me when running into all of your inlet friends when out and about in all the Flagler Avenue places that were popular over last 37 years. he was always so happy cheerful and kind to me and everyone he met. at 83 I’m still there at inlet on occasion but I will surely miss his spirit. u guys were so loved. Anni hutto unit 602 inlet
Joan Applegate says
Barbara. I was sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was such a wonderful person with so many great stories to tell that kept you laughing for hours. He was one of the sweetest most caring people ever and was loved by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed. I would be at his service but I am in Virginia taking care of my 95 year old mother. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Mark Boozer says
So sorry to hear this news. Bob was alway a great partner to McD’s Tampa Region and McD’s Nationally. My time with him was always a pleasure. What a showman!
Keith & Lynn Pollock says
Our deepest condolences to the Allegro family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers always.
Sincerely Keith & Lynn Pollock
John Petrakis says
Bob was not only a fellow owner but a true friend. Bob always was upbeat and had kind words for others no matter the situation. A true gentelman in every sense whether giving or sharing, i will miss his Quick wit and smile and our dinners in NSB.
Mary Kaye Slatner Happ says
Barb, Mark, and Greg,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was one of the best. He knew how to take care of people and
show them a good time. My memories of our Geneva on the Lake and Florida vacations will always
be with me. His smile was contagious.
Your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Kaye Slatner Happ says
Barb, Mark, and Greg,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was one of the best. He knew how to take care of people and
show them a good time. My memories of our Geneva on the Lake and Florida vacations will always
be with me. His smile was contagious.
Your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Kaye Slatner Happ says
Barb, Mark, and Greg
My deepest sympathy to you and your families. Bob was the best. He was very generous and always showed friends a good time. Our Geneva on the Lake and Florida vacations will always be some of my best memories. Heaven gained a class act.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim Stone says
My sincere condolences to Barbara, Mark, Gregg and the entire family. Bob was my McDonald’s mentor as he was kind enough to allow me to train in his stores. What an enjoyable experience he made it! Once in business myself Bob was generous with his time and wisdom. He was gregarious and funny but always a true gentleman A great example of what an O/O should be. The world needs many more like him and we will miss that infectious personality. Rest easy my friend.
Reginald Webb says
I remember Bob as a person that enlivened and contributed to every McDonald’s meeting that I attended as a McDonald’s operator. Please accept my condolences.
Sally Slatner-Kampwerth says
Sending many prayers from Peru, Illinois! I will always remember the visits with our parents. His laugh was infectious, and his smile was huge! He was such a classy and genuine man. Hugs to Barbara, Mark, and Greg.
Teddy D Sams says
It is with our Deepest Sympathy goes out to his
family. Bob was an amazing man with a heart of gold Mr. A always looked out for people and always wanted the best for them. He was a good friend to us he will be misses by so many. Thanks for all the years of a wonderful friendship. Rest In Peace .
Ted & Sara Sams
he was agood friend