Robert Richard Tollen

Robert Richard Tollen obituary, Miami, FL

Robert Richard Tollen

Robert Tollen Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 3, 2017.
TOLLEN, ROBERT RICHARD, of Key West, FL past away peacefully in his sleep on February 1, 2017. He was immediately put in a cryogenics tank as he wished. He is survived by his wife Kayla, mother Nancy, sister Carole, children Rebecca and Meyer, and grandchildren Isabella, Julie, and Leo.He helped so many people with medical issues. He was a Mensa and true gentleman. RIP

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Robert Tollen's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 28, 2025

Suzanne Guenoun posted to the memorial.

January 28, 2023

Suzanne Guenoun posted to the memorial.

January 28, 2023

Daniel Levy posted to the memorial.

Suzanne Guenoun

January 28, 2025

May Robert RIP and be remembered always.

Suzanne Guenoun

January 28, 2023

Already 5 years. Such a nice man. May he RIP.

Daniel Levy

January 28, 2023

It remains a sad shock that Robert passed away so young. An early patient-expert on MPN, one who brought a lot of attention to treatment options in general and to interferon and Dr. Silver in particular. Through this and much other well-invested time and effort, Robert helped many of us, myself included.

Daniel Levy

January 28, 2021

My memories of Robert remain strong. Four years is a long time in some ways but short compared to how long I knew him, learned from him, and watched as he helped so many. Not even his mind could calculate a decent estimation of the vast aggregate number of years he added to others' lives.

Not easy either to identify for this little submission the category of our relationship. "Friend" understates even more than it overstates. "Acquaintance" horribly understates. Robert was surely a very significant other for me but of course not Significant Other as the term connotes. My choice among the options, if I could excise the non-factual "military," would be Served Together. Among the actual options, I'd have most aspired to Co-worker, but that would greatly exaggerate the amount and impact of my work. Thus, I choose Student. Literally true as I studied so many of his posts, both general and individually addressed to me, and I learned much more from Robert the teacher than those from the formal classroom.

Ever grateful,
Dan Levy

Suzanne Guenoun

January 29, 2020

Time goes by so fast. Hope you Kayla and family are doing all right. My thoughts are always with you.

January 9, 2018

My deepest condolences and love to his family.
He was a fabulous human being who helped me tremendously with my Dx.
God Bless and may he rise some day again.
Marilyn Oslander PV 2010

August 11, 2017

Dear Carole and Kayla,

I just learned of Robert's passing. I am so sorry to hear this; I had hoped to meet him one day. He was clearly a very intelligent and caring person and made the best of his situation by helping others.
I really hope we can meet, sooner rather than later. I heard about this from our cousin Laura Tollen in SF. I am so sad, Robert was a dynamic person.
Your cousin Cindy Tollen in Arlington, Ma.

Rachael Vetter

March 23, 2017

My heart goes out to your family. Robert was very kind to listen to me if I worried about my symptoms and was very knowledgeable. He was kind and cared about strangers. He will be missed!

Adrienne Austin

March 22, 2017

My deepest sympathies to the family for the loss of an obviously dear and intelligent man. When he disappeared from the list, my heart broke. His newsletter meant so much to myself and so many others. It was a unique and important resource for which I am grateful.
Peace to all,

February 12, 2017

Robert was very helpful to me when I was first diagnosed with PV. He was precise with information and direct with suggestions. I followed his advice. I believe my PV experience was so much better thanks to his kindness. My sincere condolences to his family. Mairead Porter

Karen Parker

February 8, 2017

Robert made a positive impact on my life with PV. Thanks to Robert's posts on MPDSupport I had links to vital information at my fingertips, as well as, received some good advice. Robert was a true champion and will be missed. Karen PV 2005 JAK2 +

Angie Kohls

February 8, 2017

Kayla and the rest of the family. ..deepest sympathy to you at this time..thinking of you.

Richard Albert

February 8, 2017

Dearest Robert Thank you for being a calm steadying voice in my hours of panic and fear.RIP

Christopher

February 8, 2017

I read for years posts from Robert. He helped so many people and he comforted so many people in his posts. Robert is a selfless person. we Will miss you

Sara Hayden

February 7, 2017

He will be missed by all of us who shared a diagnosis under the MPN umbrella. My condolences.

Carlos Garces

February 7, 2017

Very saddened to hear of Robert passing away, never had the chance to meet this feisty and strong advocate for MPN but having PV he was a friend I will never forget. He left his mark on so many of us

Kathy Masulis

February 7, 2017

My heart stopped for a moment when I learned of Robert's passing. Although we never met, I thought of him as a friend and an advocate. We will miss him terribly, but are so very grateful for his tireless efforts on behalf of our MPN community.

February 7, 2017

My sincere sympathy to Nancy, Kayla, and the rest of the family. Barbara Epstein .

Joann Phillips

February 6, 2017

My sincere condolences to the Tollen family. Robert helped so many of us in the MPN community, and he will be greatly missed.

Nancy Calvillo

February 6, 2017

I am so sad to hear about Robert passing he helped so many people including my self he was the first person on the news letter to reach out to others and help them understand their diagnosis he helped so many people he will truly be missed.

Helen Parks

February 6, 2017

My condolences to Roberts family. He was a real comfort to many in the MPN community. My thoughts are with you all.

Marina Peed

February 6, 2017

Sincere condolences to Robert's family, who shared him with the MPN patient community. His diligence and tireless advocacy for patients to take charge of their health care is lasting gift. May his memory be eternal.

Phyllis Snyder

February 6, 2017

my condolences to Tollen family.

Lawence Stephens

February 6, 2017

RIP Robert Tollen. A great loss. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

Val Parker

February 6, 2017

So saddened to hear of Roberts passing. He is a friend whom I have never met but has been a constant companion on my own MPN journey. I thank him for all of his support, advice and inspiration. May his soul rest in Peace.my thoughts and prayers are now with his family.

Marilyn Mattei

February 6, 2017

Robert gave his knowledge freely. He was so smart and helped me through my early disbelief days. He gave me hope. I miss him. Condolences to his family.

Nan Walton

February 5, 2017

You helped us all so much! There are no adequate words. All I can say is "thank you" for saving so many lives!

February 5, 2017

I just heard about the passing of Robert. I am deeply sadden as I have know Robert since he was born in Philadelphia and lived on "D" street,, My heat goes out to his family and especially his mom Nancy steve Lapin

Dolf van den Berg

February 5, 2017

Robert, you were such an inspiration and source of knowledge for patientens with MPN. Thanks for all effort you have put in it. Hope you already metsome of our MPN family members that have passed away.

Lori Lynn

February 5, 2017

I'm Shocked and saddened to hear of Robert's passing. Blessings to his family. I hope eventually you can find comfort in knowing what an amazing legacy he left. He helped so many people like myself who went online seeking answers. He welcomed me to the MPN community with open arms (7 years ago) and always had well researched practical answers and solutions for my many questions. You will be missed Robert. Rest in Peace

Lawrence Fisher

February 5, 2017

I am deeply saddened by Robert's sudden and unexpected death. Robert and I communicated and shared our personal lives over the past 25 years almost on a daily basis. This was a shock. My heart goes out to Kayla, Meyer, Rebecca, Carole, Robert's mother Nancy, and the grandkids. Words cannot properly express the impact of the loss. I will miss you, my good friend Robert.

February 5, 2017

The California Tollens send love and sympathy to the whole family.

Ellen and Bob

February 5, 2017

I recall that Robert referred repeatedly & lovingly o his wife Kayla and the family).I am forever grateful to him for my awakening as a pv patient I don't recall how I found Robert's list but it happened as my plts were soaring.Robert helped make me an active patient and I soon put myself in Dr. Silver's hands. When I started intron and was anxious about potential side effects, Robert gave my advice I've since often shared with others: try to think of any aches and pains as the interferon at work.

I am saddened by Robert's passing and will always be grateful for the help he gave me and so many others.

Dan Levy

Morris Leibovitz

February 5, 2017

So sorry for your loss. He helped a lot of people.

February 5, 2017

Please accept my condolences - he was an admired member of our on line group

I will keep all of you in my prayers

WRm regards
Ronni Dobkin

Thea Neelen

February 5, 2017

So sad to read this
My condolences to his family and friends
R.i.p. Robert

Lubna

February 5, 2017

I will miss you Robert, you were a source of support and encouragement for those with MPN.

Karen Laws

February 5, 2017

You will be sadly missed! You helped so many people on the MPD support site on FB!

Stan Moore

February 4, 2017

Am deeply saddened by Robert's passing. Like many others, I was helped by his wise advice. Rest In Peace, friend.

Suzanne Guenoun

February 4, 2017

HI KAYLA! ALL MY CONDOLEANCES ON THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOU AND I WERE FRIENDS AND HAVE LOST CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER. I NOW LIVE IN AVENTURA, FL. THAT IS HOW I READ THE OBITUARY AND FOUND OUT ABOUT ROBERT MAY HE RESTS IN PEACE. I HOPE YOU REMEMBER ME. I AM SUZANNE GUENOUN/AZRAN, MOTHER OF BRIGITTE AND KAREN.

February 4, 2017

Sincere condolences,Robert will be missed..
Bernice Starkman ,post ET MF
Gord Starkman spouse

Susan Mars

February 4, 2017

Sending my prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Robert will be missed. May he rest in peace, comfort and love.

Frederick Boyles

February 4, 2017

He was truly a good man. A friend I never met, but one that my wife and I were grateful to have. We will miss his insight.

Linda

February 4, 2017

So sad to read this...I just lost my inlaws 11 days apart and can't even truly grief them but Robert!!! has been our Mentor on the MPD for yrs..helped us all...God bless his family and friends..RIP...

February 4, 2017

Condolences to Robert's family and friends from one who read and valued the insights he provided to those of us with MPNs.

Linda Dawson

February 4, 2017

RIP Robert. You will be missed. You have helped so many of us on your MPD site with your knowledge and insight. My sympathy goes out to your family and friends.

February 4, 2017

I am shocked to hear the sad news.
You have my deepest sympathy.
Nick Aelbers

February 4, 2017

He was a true believer in the truth that "The Median is Not The Message ". His spirit and his shared wisdom will live on.

Perhaps in centuries to come he will live again

JimiLee Weber

February 4, 2017

What a shock it was to read about Robert Tollen's death. He will be greatly missed, he helped so many of us by sharing information about our MPN's.
My prayers and sympathy to his family and friends..RIP, Robert

Carla

February 4, 2017

So sad to see this as I woke up this morning. Condolences to his family. I will miss his knowledge and help in the MPN group.

Karen Rowe

February 4, 2017

This news breaks my heart! It was Robert, through the many posts, videos and one face to face conference who helped me understand all of the related medical issues that come with MPNs. It was he who inspired me to get the best advice from a specialist. His generosity and caring for the plight of others set him apart. May he Rest In Peace. And, may God Bless his family.

Sue Attard

February 4, 2017

Rip Robert. Thank you for your support when required. You will be missed.

Sue Attard

February 4, 2017

Rip Robert. Thank you for your support when required. You will be missed.

Patti Jordan

February 4, 2017

RIP Robert. We have lost so many MPD Warriors in the last 12 months. Watch out over us left down here. Condolences to your family

Bob Watkins

February 4, 2017

I will miss you, Robert. I did not always share your views on things, yet I always appreciated your presence on-line and your willingness to engage thoughtfully and passionately in defense of your point of view. My condolences to your family and friends.

Richie Stone

February 4, 2017

It's a sad day for the MPN Community, we mourn the loss of one of the 'Good Guys' and I offer my deepest condolences to his family and Friends, of which there are so many. Rest in Peace Robert.

Bobbi Rubenzahl

February 4, 2017

I am so appreciative of his commitment to the MPN community for all those years when we really had nothing.
You will be missed Robert Tollen.
I wish his family peace in their hearts always.

Patricia Rushin

February 4, 2017

My condolences. Robert was always a great source of information for those of us with MPN'S. RIP

Sherri Pruce

February 4, 2017

My sympathy to the family. I lost my mom to complications from myelofibrosis and Robert was always a source of helpful information and advice to me. May he rest in peace.

Sherri Pruce

February 4, 2017

My sympathy to the family. I lost my mom to complications from myelofibrosis and Robert was always a source of helpful information and advice to me. May he rest in peace.

Sherri Pruce

February 4, 2017

My sympathy to the family. I lost my mom to complications from myelofibrosis and Robert was always a source of helpful information and advice to me. May he rest in peace.

Sherri Pruce

February 4, 2017

My sympathy to the family. I lost my mom to complications from myelofibrosis and Robert was always a source of helpful information and advice to me. May he rest in peace.

Sherri Pruce

February 4, 2017

My sympathy to the family. I lost my mom to complications from myelofibrosis and Robert was always a source of helpful information and advice to me. May he rest in peace.

Ellen Cooper

February 4, 2017

We in the MPN community owe Robert Tollen a huge debt of gratitude. He donated so much of his time and energy to make our lives better by giving us information we needed to cope with our medical problems. You were a wonderful man Robert, may you rest in peace. We love you and miss you.

Laurie Prather

February 4, 2017

R.I.P Robert, you will be missed by many, Condolences to the family, Robert was a great help to me with PV.

Jodi

February 4, 2017

Prayers for peace and comfort to Robert's family. Robert helped educate and inform others all over the country and the world. He was a blessing to many and will be very missed.

February 4, 2017

He was a source of inspiration and a wealth of knowledge which he shared with us who have similar illnesses. I followed him for twenty years. I extend my most heartfelt sympathies to his family. He will be greatly missed.

Lorraine Maguire

February 4, 2017

Robert Tollen, I have known you through the "wealth of knowledge" you have shared on the MPD- FB site!! Your 30+ year battle with this horrible disease has always given me encouragement. that with knowledge we can stay on top of our rare disease!! Because of your knowledge you have helped guide me through several "life & death" episodes with my husband!!
I pray that on your precious FB MPD site we can continue "your" work and together "we" can share info with the "new-bees" on this site.so that we can continue to help one another!! I pray that the person/persons you left in charge of this site: MPD-Myeloproliverative Disease Support Group will help us to HONOR you, Robert Tollen by sharing all that you have shared with us.... Rest In Peace my friend.we will all continue your work.our work to teach people about this rare disease!!

Margo O connor

February 4, 2017

My condolences to family. Such sad news on your passing Robert,you were an inspiration. Rip.

Taylor Anderson

February 4, 2017

Robert was a true Gentleman in every way and helped so many he was an inspiration my condolences to his loving family

Diana Campbell

February 4, 2017

I am so sad and shocked to hear of Robert's passing. My thoughts and sincere condolences go to his family and friends. As a fellow MPN patient I will always be grateful for the information, help, support and time he gave. RIP Robert. xxx

Elizabeth jones

February 4, 2017

My deepest condolences to your family.Thank you for making my MPN journey a little easier you will be truly missed .

Peggy

February 4, 2017

RIP, thank you Robert Tollen. A life well spent in the service to others.

Shirley Docker

February 4, 2017

Very sad, loved reading his very useful information on MPN in the Facebook group RIP Robert xxxx

Dixie Campbell

February 4, 2017

Robert Tollen was dedicated to helping those of us who have MPN's. He was always up to date and encouraged us when we needed encouragement. I am grateful for the years of his guiding us on the FaceBook page he created. Thanks for the years of service Mr. Tollen.

February 3, 2017

omg
Robert was kind to me when i needed help He was so interested in my problem and made me feel as if I mattered.
For his family, may you find peace in knowing how special Robert was to many of the people who needed him. My hope is that your loss is swift, and your memory of the happy times you shared replaced with love and laughter

Christina St. John

February 3, 2017

So shocked, did not know he was in danger of leaving us. I was new to the group but he offered so much valuable information. Rest in Peace. God Bless you and your Family. ❤

Linda Bartos

February 3, 2017

R.I.P. dear Robert. So very sorry to the family. He helped so very many in the MPN group. He will be missed.

February 3, 2017

My favorite person to debate with, will miss you my friend.
Marc Broxmeyer

Michael Goldstein

February 3, 2017

I am deeply saddened to learn of Robert's passing. My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends, as well as all the people with MPNs that he labored to support and counsel. I was fortunate to have found Robert and his online support group when i was diagnosed with PV 11 years ago. I will be forever grateful for his guidance and support.

Pauline Schreffler

February 3, 2017

R.I.P. Robert. You were a help to all of us!

Patricia Malavasi

February 3, 2017

Rest in peace Robert Pat Malavasi Mpn friend facebook

Bernadette B

February 3, 2017

He was a great source of information and solid advice. My condolences.

Jenny Stewart

February 3, 2017

Such a sad loss for his family and friends. Heartfelt thanks to Robert for his endless support and knowledge regarding MPN's. He was a true gentleman! RIP Robert!

T Kakarigi

February 3, 2017

I only know Robert through the MPN group, he gave us all wonderful knowledge on our disease. He will be missed. Prayers and condolences to his family. RIP Robert

Sharron Wright

February 3, 2017

Heart felt sympathy to all Robert's family, RIP and thank you for all your support through the Myeloproliferative disease support Facebook page

Lynn Scholl

February 3, 2017

Prayers to Robert's family and friends. He will be missed. I know I will miss his help in the MPN group.

Taralee Jayaraman

February 3, 2017

Prayers and condolences to Robert's family and friends. He helped so many of us with MPNs, he gave great comfort and advice. I'm truly grateful for him and so sorry the world has lost him.

Linda Zapico

February 3, 2017

Robert you were a hero to all of us. Your genius & kindness will be greatly missed.

Felisha Johnson

February 3, 2017

He helped me more than he will ever know in the MPD group. So heartbreaking to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace. He will be missed by so many.

Linda Zapico

February 3, 2017

I am so shocked and sorry to hear of Robert's untimely passing. He was truly a pioneer for MPN diseases and kind and generous. You will be missed by us all. RIP. Linda Zapico

Jill Zaitchick

February 3, 2017

He was to me both an inspiration and a guide. He gave many the courage and the knowledge to reach for both hope and good health in the face of a chronic illness. Be at Peace, my friend.

Zeta Charania

February 3, 2017

He really helped people with MPNs So sorry for his families loss and for our loss too. RIP

Jeannie Rolland

February 3, 2017

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Alisa

February 3, 2017

My sincere condolences.

Showing 1 - 95 of 95 results

Make a Donation
in Robert Tollen's name

How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert Tollen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Robert Tollen's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 28, 2025

Suzanne Guenoun posted to the memorial.

January 28, 2023

Suzanne Guenoun posted to the memorial.

January 28, 2023

Daniel Levy posted to the memorial.