Robert Louis Pastor

Robert Louis Pastor, 80, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Oct. 16, 2023, in Ocala, Florida. He was born Jan. 3, 1943, to Louis Joseph Pastor and Elva Jean Pastor in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

Bob graduated from Duquesne University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. While in college, he met Linda, the love of his life, in a class they shared. Claiming to have forgotten his pencil, Bob asked to borrow one from the beautiful girl sitting next to him — leading to more than 60 years of marriage, love and togetherness.

He worked most of his career in finance and real estate development, recently retiring from Worldwide Alliance in Ocala after many years of service.

Bob’s true career calling was his love of horses. He and Linda owned Burning Tree Farm, a successful small thoroughbred farm in Ocala, for 30 years. While this included stakes winners and having a horse run on Derby Day in Churchill Downs, Bob’s passion was caring for his horses.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, friend and coach who looked for the best in everyone. Often helping others, allowing his children to bring home “found” pets and taking in others when they needed a place to stay. His willingness to help others led to a lifetime of friendships and special connections.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Schall Pastor of Ocala; his children, Kari Hoekzema (Scott), Stephanie Setticasi (Steve), Robert Pastor Jr (Patrice) and special connection daughter Tracey Baer (Jeff); siblings, Gary Pastor (Nancy) and Diane Sotak; grandchildren, Lexi Setticasi, Sebastian Setticasi, Kelly Baer, Dillan Hoekzema (Aubrey), Cassie Hoekzema, Katie Baer, Dante Setticasi, Marina Pastor, Xavier Pastor, and Eowyn Pastor; and great-granddaughter Tatum Hoekzema.  

He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Jean; aunt Betty Pastor; brother-in-law Richard Sotak; and his father, Lou, and uncle, Frank Pastor, who shared their love of horses with Bob.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Florida Thoroughbred Charities at 801 SW 60^th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474.