Born in Manhattan in 1946, Bob was raised by his grandparents in Queens while his mother pursued a thriving acting career. Always excelling in school, he graduated from Brooklyn Tech High and NYU in Industrial Engineering. He always had a passion for people and was appointed the social director of his college fraternity.
Bob developed a great love for the water as he spent his adolescent years sailing on Long Island Sound on his step-father’s boat with his mother. “Shining Water” was Ann’s nickname for Bob which he loved dearly. As an adult, he enjoyed traveling to Martha’s Vineyard & the Virgin Islands.
Bob and Ann were married in New York City in 1969 and then moved to Washington DC where Bob worked for the Department of Navy as a Naval Architect.
In 1982, Bob began his entrepreneurial career as a partner in Outdoor Impressions. Within five years, the company grew to become the largest embroiderer on the East Coast with accolades that included a commission to make a custom jacket for then-President George Bush Sr. The business was sold in 1990 and Bob continued to work in the textile industry.
More importantly, Bob and Ann had two daughters, Alissa and Brittany to whom Bob was a rock and a great father. After selling his business, Bob made it his goal in life to help his family and others. As a mentor to many, he imparted much wisdom and knowledge from life experiences. Although Bob struggled with depression that he could not overcome, we will always remember him for his unique sense of humor, the laughter it brought to everyone around him and the life he lived in love and selflessness.
We trust and have faith that he is in a better place now.
Memorial submitted by Ann Aiken