Robert O. “Bob” Alter, born and raised Episcopalian, found a home at St. John’s Episcopal Church when returned to Tampa in 2013. He was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, where his family were active members of Episcopal Church of The Transfiguration. He was baptized, confirmed, and served as an Acolyte at the Church, and attended the Parish Day School.
Having served as an Usher for the past ten years, Bob has also served as a member of numerous “Every Member Canvass” campaigns; with Cornerstone Kids, through SJEC’s Outreach Ministry – primarily around the annual Christmas Program/Party and Gift Distribution; and, as a volunteer leader on various St. John’s Youth group activities, including “Imagination Station” Leader during Summer Vacation Bible School. For the past two years, Bob has served as a Middle School Sunday School Teacher for SJEC’s new Middle/School Formation classes, held each Sunday after the 9:30 Church Service. Additionally, Bob serves (along with a couple of other SJEC Parishioners) as an Outside Volunteer on the Men’s Kairos Prison Ministry at FDOC’s Sumter Correctional Institution and was just elected to office on the Kairos Advisory Council.
Bob graduated from Arizona State University in 1981 and started his career in Public Accounting with Arthur Andersen & Co in Houston, Texas, before beginning his Commercial Real Estate career and moving to Tampa in 1986. After 10-plus years in Tampa, Bob was recruited to Denver, CO; with stints thereafter in Fort Worth, TX and Atlanta, GA; ultimately, choosing to return to Tampa in 2013—professionally, working with Redstone Investments; and faithfully, committed to St. John’s in fellowship to its community, and serving the Lord through its ministry and outreach.
Bob’s children (3) include son Wood (32), who lives in Atlanta, and daughter Addie (29) – recently married – in Denver; his oldest, (son) Ross – born in Tampa in 1988 – died in 2013. All were baptized at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Fort Worth, TX, and attended Episcopal school (Fort Worth and Atlanta) through respective graduation.
St. John’s is an incredibly special place which has played a significant role in Bob’s life since returning to Tampa. Its future looks brighter than ever, and he is honored to serve the Parish as a member of the Vestry.