Robert M Ollquist

Robert M Ollquist obituary, West Palm Beach, FL

Robert M Ollquist

Robert Ollquist Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 29, 2024.
Robert M. Ollquist, 71 years old, died peacefully with family by his side Friday May 24th, 2024 at JFK Hospital in Atlantis Florida after a protracted illness.

Robert was born February 2nd, 1953 in Brooklyn NY, the son of Robert and Catherine (Brett) Ollquist. He graduated from Maria Regina High School in 1970. He went on to attend Providence College as a member of their varsity basketball team and graduated with a degree in Economics in 1974.

Robert is survived by his wife Rita Ollquist (McCabe); daughters Meghan Ollquist and Kierstin Anderson (Husband Kevin); sons Robert (wife Jenn), Kevin (wife Lindsay), Conor (wife Renee); grandsons Henry, Ronan, Declan, Liam, Evan and granddaughters Madeline, Ella, and Grace. He also leaves behind his siblings John Ollquist (wife Rhonda), Edward, Marianne (husband Mike), Cathy (husband Rick), and Thomas (wife Mary). Robert also had a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins whom will miss him dearly.

Those that had the pleasure of knowing Robert, affectionately known as Bobby O, knew him as an incredibly kind and loving man that was a great friend and father. Bobby O was a lifelong fan of basketball who spent night and day working on his shot at the local basketball courts. Bobby leveraged his talent for basketball with a scholarship to play for Providence College. Upon graduating with a degree in Economics, Bobby began a successful career on Wall Street.

Bobby married his sweetheart Rita on September 30th of 1977. Family was the center of life for Bobby and Rita, and they raised 5 loving children who would go on to have 8 grandchildren whom he cherished deeply. Beyond immediate family, Bobby was fortunate to enjoy close relationships with a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bobby was a devout Catholic who regularly attended church and enjoyed a good sermon. He was also famous for his love of music; particularly The Grateful Dead, The Band, and Jimmy Buffett. Bobby's idea of paradise was being surrounded with friends and family at the beach with a good book and great tunes playing in the background.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, June 29th at Church of the Incarnation, 2309 Monterrey Rd NE, Rio Rancho New Mexico.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fern House: https://fernhouse.org/donate/

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

Sign Robert Ollquist's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 8, 2024

Lucinda Hicks-Beach Quinn posted to the memorial.

June 30, 2024

Thomas Ollquist posted to the memorial.

June 29, 2024

Joseph Glynn posted to the memorial.

Lucinda Hicks-Beach Quinn

July 8, 2024

I met Bobby-O through my ex husband Tim Quinn. He was one of a million Long Island cousins Ollquists Brett's & Harolds! He always stood out, someone who you would listen to and laugh with. A big presence that we all wanted to be part of. My sincere condolences to Rita and all the Ollquist siblings. Good memories. God's blessing to you all.

Thomas Ollquist

June 30, 2024

My big brother Bobby O was a great friend, mentor and confidant throughout my life.
As the youngest brother of six siblings, I was privileged to be surrounded by people who loved and looked out for me. I believe that each of my brothers and sisters learned from Bobby O the importance of family, faith and caring for each other.

I miss my brother terribly, but I will always have the memories of all of the great times we shared.

I am grateful to have had him as one of my champions...

Joseph Glynn

June 29, 2024

On behalf of the Glynn Family I´d like to express the deepest condolences to Bobby´s wife and children and grandchildren
Also to Bobby´s brothers and sisters he was a great guy a great athlete and a great friend to all
warmest regards and condolences from cousin Joey Glynn

Edward Ollquist

June 28, 2024

Robert M. Ollquist - "BOBBY O" - my oldest brother. Known to many from his basketball playing days at Maria Regina DHS to his Scholarship earning 4 yrs of play at Providence College to his successful career on Wall Street at Lehman Brothers in both NY and Boston. Family came first and his loving wife Rita and his five upstanding and admirable children can attest - bumps in the road like we all experience strengthened my brother and redirected him to the truly important things in life such as his family, friends, health and spirituality - a devout Catholic to the end. Now finally out of pain and no doubt at peace after seeing all family before the end he went to his eternal peace both showing love and knowing he was so dearly loved. Godspeed bro - see you when (if !) lol I get there !
Your loving brother - Eddie

John Ollquist

June 25, 2024

What can I say about my big brother? We had our typical brotherly squabbles, but he was always there for me when I needed him. He loved God, he loved his friends, and he loved his family. What more can you ask of a man. Rest in peace, my dear brother.
Jocko

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Robert and Susan Alexander

Planted Trees

Mike Stafford

June 5, 2024

I met Bob on the first day at Maria Regina. As we waited outside the school he struck up a conversation with me. Nobody was more anxious about the first day of high school than me. It was one of the best "happenstances" of my life. We became great friends and shared wonderful experiences over the years. I would give anything to have just one more of our great conversations. He had a great heart and cared deeply for people.
I will miss you very much.

Rick Dunphy

June 4, 2024

I was fortunate enough to know Bobby at PC in our basketball playing days, and as a work colleague at Lehman Brothers. He a person full of energy and enthuasiam, who loved life. His family, hoops, and The Grateful Dead were the things he cared most about, and the world has a little less sparkle without him. God Bless you Bobby. Hugs to family. Rick Dunphy

Kate Glynn

June 3, 2024

I´m a cousin who didn´t spend much time with Bobby but knew of his excellent basketball skills and his warm hearted nature. I´m sure he will be missed by his family & friends. My deepest condolences.
Cousin Kate Glynn

Robert Brett Xavier Walsh

June 3, 2024

Bobby was one of the first people i ever looked up to growing up. One of the greatest shooters in the history of the game of basketball. But what Bobby represented & lived was way more important than that. He walked with Christ. He lived it & cherished it. People often overlook faith or make light of it. And everyone has things figured out more than the next , but sometimes your greatest blessings come to you in times of despair or hopelessness. When i was going through recovery & did not have many people in my life Bobby told me multiple times "I love you Rob, and if you ever need me you can call me for anything"
Although i never called him for that just knowing he meant that and truly was there for me at anytime meant everything to me in that point of my life. I was beat up mentally by my struggles and he guided me toward God ; mentally i aspired to embrace the groundwork he laid out. That's exactly what i did and will continue to do. You are with me forever Bobby. We will never give up , & i will never not honor you!

Thomas Ollquist

June 3, 2024

Bobby O and I were on the Senators in the LFBBL; Bobby was the star on the team, and I was lucky to have him show me the ropes. I remember sitting in the Garden cheering him on when he played forProvidence, and Bobby stealing a pass and going the length of the court for a lay up . We were all very proud of Bobby. A great cousin and friend. My condolences to the entire Ollquist family. Tom Ollquist

Tim and Lisa Gilbride

May 31, 2024

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bobby O and the entire Ollquist family. I was a teammate of his at Providence College and treasure the memories and times we shared on and off the court. I can still clearly picture his smooth jump shot, but more importantly, I smile at what a kind hearted and considerate friend he was. My days at Providence were great and Bobby O is one of the people who helped to make it great. Tim Gilbride

Tom Forker

May 30, 2024

Our prayers are with Bobby O and the entire Ollquist family. As one of Bobby´s many loving cousins - we send our love to all. Tom and Judy Forker

Peter Cassidy

May 30, 2024

Sad news. I met Bobby O freshman year at Providence College in McDermott Hall third floor. Lots of stories over the 4 years. Condolences to fellow Friars Jocko and Rhonda. Hope there is a memorial service in Long Island. Rest in peace Bobby O

Mike Walsh

May 30, 2024

I had the privilege of spending time with Bobby over the last few years. He was a great Brother in Law and couldn't have been nicer to my Mother as she spent the last few years of her life with us in Florida. My Wife Marianne was his constant companion and brought my mother along with her for Lunches and shopping expeditions in Lake Worth. She will miss him dearly as they had many thrifting adventures to Darla's and Doctor visits.

In the sunset of Bobby's Life he received the greatest gift which meant everything to him.

Family

From seeing his siblings, Kids and Grandkids at his sister Cathy;s Family reunion
in November of 2022.

To a visit from Robert & Jen and the kids on their way to Disney World.

And In February and May of this year visits From his wife Rita, and all his kids was truly a blessing that he cherished.

Visits from his brothers and sisters in Laws Tom & Mary, John & Rhonda
in February of this Year made his day.

He enjoyed his various phone calls and occasional visits from his friends, Family and the Catholic community at St. Gabriel's.

He loved his Family and Friends both from the past and from Fern house apartments where he lived. This sustained him during the last years of his life.

Family and friends in the end was the greatest gift he could have ever received
from anyone.

AS smooth as your Jump shot and it was smooth. Rise up

The Best!

Jody Scharf

May 30, 2024

Having worked with Bobby O, always brought a smile with him, lots of laughs came also..
Jody Scharf

Greg Dudzik

May 30, 2024

Great guy !

Marianne Ollquist Walsh

May 29, 2024

My brother Bobby was a very good man and a wonderful brother.
My family and I will miss him tremendously. I have lost a very dear friend.

Marianne Ollquist Walsh

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Sign Robert Ollquist's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 8, 2024

Lucinda Hicks-Beach Quinn posted to the memorial.

June 30, 2024

Thomas Ollquist posted to the memorial.

June 29, 2024

Joseph Glynn posted to the memorial.