The City of Venice is saddened to report the loss of former City Council Member Robert E. “Bob” Daniels, who passed away the evening of Thursday, Feb. 8 following a short illness. He spent a decade of his life in service to the City. Bob had just celebrated his 81st birthday with family.
Daniels was first elected to the Venice City Council in 2010, a position he held until 2019. He served as Vice Mayor in 2018 and held a seat on the Environmental Advisory Board from October 2022 to November 2023. He was also the City’s representative on the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Sarasota County Tourist Development Council.
During his tenure, Daniels was a proponent for environmental preservation, championing the treatment of stormwater outfalls throughout the City and curbing stormwater runoff pollution through fertilizer restrictions. Most notably, Daniels worked with City residents and staff to preserve the Pinebrook Park Nature and Fitness Trail. An advocate for first responders, the Venice Police Department’s new facility on East Venice Avenue was approved during his tenure on Council.
Bob and his wife of 45 years, Nancy, moved to Venice in 2006 from Columbus, Ohio. They have two married daughters, Jamie and Bobbi, and four grandchildren.
“He liked helping the average citizen,” Nancy said. “He absolutely loved being on Council. He was a strong leader, and his heart was in the community.”
A memorial mass for Daniels is set for 9:45 a.m. April 5 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, with a luncheon to follow. All are welcome.
