Robert E. Sticker

Robert E. Sticker, 88, of Pleasant Mount, died Saturday after a brief illness. His wife of 47 years is Nina Giuliano Sticker.

A native of New York and distinguished marine artist, Bob was a legend in the field of marine art. His interest in painting was lifelong. Growing up in Staten Island, N.Y., and watching the incredible activity in New York Harbor sparked an interest in the sea that intensified over the years. When World War II was declared, Bob enlisted to serve his country and chose the Navy for his love of the sea. He was assigned to officers candidate training and appointed captain of the crew of a PBY.

Over the years, he created a body of work that is singularly compelling and dramatic, and reflects the honor, respect and integrity with which he lived his life. He is widely recognized for the accuracy of his research and his unique ability to depict the drama of the human aspect of life at sea, with great compassion and poignancy, and has quietly amassed a national following for his unique and beautiful paintings.

Bob was a founding member of the American Society of Marine Artists and was also the recipient of awards from the Franklin Mint and Mystic Seaport. His paintings are included in Bound for Blue Waters, a book that is a definitive collection of the best American marine art of the 20th and early 21st century. His work is also included in the corporate collections of IBM, Union Carbide and AT&T and in numerous private collections

Also surviving are two beloved children: a son, Robert Edward Sticker Jr. and wife, Reiko; and a daughter, Marisa Sticker Volz and husband, Rick; and his equally beloved grandchildren, Reimi Gabrielle Sticker and Ale Richard Volz.

The funeral will be Wednesday from the Lawrence A. Gabriel Funeral Home, 74 N. Main St., Carbondale, with Mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. James Church, Pleasant Mount. Interment will be in St. James Cemetery, Pleasant Mount.

Friends may call Tuesday, 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Marian Community Hospital, 100 Lincoln Ave., Carbondale.