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Robert John - "Bob" Wittich

1944 - 2013

Robert John - "Bob" Wittich obituary, 1944-2013, Larchmont, NY

BORN

1944

DIED

2013

Robert Wittich Obituary

Wittich, Robert John - "Bob"

On the evening of July 10, 2013, Bob passed away peacefully after a recent battle with cancer, visited and comforted by his wife and family members at Calvary Hospital in Bronx, NY. Bob was 68 years old. A long time citizen of Larchmont, Bob resided with his wife and son in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Bob Wittich was born in Staten Island, New York on December 16, 1944. He was the oldest of ten children of Therese Rita and Wesley E. Wittich, Jr.

Bob grew up near the Brooklyn Navy Yard where his father was often stationed during his career in the Navy. Bob attended St. James Pro-Cathedral Grammar School and served as an altar boy and was a Brooklyn chorister. He also was an active Boy Scout and Sea Cadet and his camping skills came in handy in future college years when he spent summers working in Mexico to alleviate poverty: making bricks; building homes; digging latrines and other good works.

Bob attended high school at Brooklyn Prep and was heavily influenced by the Jesuits. He was a skilled debater and orator, studied Greek, Latin and Spanish, excelled at Math, History and English and graduated with honors.

He attended Le Moyne College using scholarships, loans and the income from several jobs to finance his education. It was here that he met Rita, his wife of 46 years. He roomed at the International House, a program for students preparing for a Peace Corps like project in Mexico, where he became fluent in Spanish. Bob graduated Cum Laude with a BA in Political Science, was student body president and Valedictorian at his graduation in 1966. It was a proud moment for his family.

Bob received his law degree from St. John's Law School in 1971. He served in the Army, worked on Wall Street and went on to have a multi-faceted career as a lawyer, politician, business owner and investor. He ran unsuccessfully for NY City Council in 1973, and became known for his expertise as a campaign manager and an election lawyer.

He married Rita Convy Wittich in 1967 in Floral Park, NY. In 1973, their wonderful son, Robert J Wittich Jr., was born.

Bob loved to travel and spent his retirement years visiting numerous countries around the world with his wife and son, with a particular fondness for Australia. He loved to swim, play tennis and golf, eat, drink and be merry. He was kind, generous, humorous, a doting husband, a loving father, a caring brother and uncle, and a great friend.

Bob was preceded in death by: his parents, Therese and Wesley Wittich and his in-laws, Rita and Frank Convy.

Bob is survived by: his wife, Rita Anne Convy Wittich; his son, Robert John Wittich, Jr.; his daughter, Jeanette Colling, his brothers: Wesley, James, Michael, Richard; his sisters: Therese Schoborg, Karen Horan, Helene DeCamp, Patricia Stone, Elizabeth Butler; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and in-laws. Yes, it is a big family and Bob was the quintessential big brother and favorite uncle - leading the way and setting the standard for achievement as well as fun.

Bob wished that there be no funeral or other ceremony. The family is planning a gathering of friends and family in New York in the near future and will announce the time and place on http://robert-j-wittich.forevermissed.com, where visitors may also leave condolences and share memories.

Published by The Journal News on Jul. 13, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Wittich

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With our deepest sympathy,
The McAnanamas
(Friends of Karen Horan)

Joseph McAnanama

July 29, 2013

A sudden sadness that is shared by all that knew Him. May the good Lord have mercy on His soul and may he rest in peace. God bless him and his entire family.

michael Colling

July 20, 2013

To my Oldest brother, and friend, I will think of you often, laugh when remembering funny times, shed a tear now and again when I miss you, and I will never forget you.

Helene DeCamp

July 14, 2013

My big brother Bob was a genuine, kind and compassionate man. He was always full of wisdom, encouragement and offered subtle guidance. He was never too busy for me and always made the effort to see me and speak to me on regular basis. He was my “gossip buddy.” He had a huge impact in my life and was a true inspiration to me. Throughout my life he always showed me nothing but respect, unconditional love and support. Bob truly loved my kids and treated them so very special and I will never forget it because it meant the world to me. I consider myself fortunate to call him my brother but it was a true honor to call him my friend. I will cherish and treasure my memories of our relationship and will hold them close to my heart. I will never forget the sparkle in his blue eyes, his wonderful smile or his contagious laughter. When he left this earth he took a piece of my heart with him. I will truly miss him and never forget him.

Patricia Stone

July 14, 2013

At the best times and the worse times of my life, all I had to do was turn around and Bob was right there, to cheer for me or hold me up. Bob was that kind of man. I going to miss you big brother and I will treasure every memory of you.

Therese Wittich Schoborg

July 13, 2013

I can not imagine a better "BIG BROTHER". You will always be in our hearts.

Wes

Wesley Wittich

July 13, 2013

I can't imagine having a better "BIG BROTHER". We will keep you in our hearts.

Wes

Wesley Wittich

July 13, 2013

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