Bob began singing solos at church at age 13 but his love for music was expanded during choir in high school.
In the early 1970s he spent time on stage at local dinner theatres appearing in musicals including “1776” and his first exposure to barbershop in “The Music Man” school board quartet.
In 1976 Bob joined his first barbershop quartet Treasure Chest and the Richmond chorus where he sang for nearly 25 years. After 50 years The Virginians won the MAD District contest in 1999 and competed at their first International in Kansas City 2000.
He sang for 16 years with City Slickers quartet who won the Mid-Atlantic Senior Championship three times and earned a bronze medal at the 2003 senior international competition in Albuquerque, NM.
In 2000 Bob accepted a job in northern Virginia and joined the gold medal Alexandria Harmonizers chorus where he earned 3 bronze medals.
He has been inducted into The Virginians Quartet Hall of Fame three times (Treasure Chest, City Slickers and ENCORE!)
Other quartets have included: Big Top, 7th Street, FRiDAYS! and Old Town Sound.
Bob’s 42 year career in IT ended when after commuting to Fairfax weekly for 15 years he retired in 2015. He now spends his time driving for Uber and Lyft to supplement his Social Security retirement.
After a short stint with Soundworks chorus Bob has retired from chorus singing but do not be surprised to see him appearing on a contest stage soon in yet another quartet.
Robert “Bob” Douglas Caldwell, 75, of Henrico, Virginia departed this earth with family by his side on August 2, 2023.
He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Denise Caldwell, father Charles Caldwell, mother Virginia Stearns Caldwell, and brother John Caldwell. He is survived by his daughter Andrea Caldwell, brother Jeff Caldwell, sisters Charleen Shaw and Marcy Lindblad, 4 nephews, as well as countless extended family and friends.
Bob began singing solos at church at age 13 but his love for music was expanded during choir in high school. A long time member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, he loved singing barbershop music with the Virginians and Alexandria Harmonizers. His quartet accomplishments were some of his proudest moments. He has been inducted into The Virginians Quartet Hall of Fame three times (Treasure Chest, City Slickers and ENCORE!). Other quartets have included: Big Top, 7th Street, FRiDAYS! and Old Town Sound.
Bob’s 42 year career in IT ended when after commuting to Fairfax weekly for 15 years he retired in 2015. Post-retirement he began driving for Uber and Lyft and was proud to be known as “Bob the singing driver”.
Having spent time in his younger years working at the movie theater, he never lost his passion for movies and resumed this work serving as one of the projectionists at his recent home in Discovery Village.
He was always ready with a story or joke that would leave you with a grin (or more likely a groan). A favorite way to spend his evenings was having fun playing poker with friends.
A celebration of life service was held after his passing.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Barbershop Harmony Society in Bob’s honor. www.harmonyfoundation.org/barbershop-harmony-societ
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