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Robert Speisman Obituary
Robert Speisman, Executive, Dies at 48
Robert Speisman, executive vice president at Lazare Kaplan International in New York, a worldwide diamond manufacturer, was among the passengers killed when the hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon on Tuesday, his family said. He was 48.
Mr. Speisman was traveling from Washington to Los Angeles on business.
Mr. Speisman had worked at Lazare Kaplan for 17 years and was also a member of its board. He was married to a daughter of Lazare Kaplan's chairman, Maurice Tempelsman. Mr. Speisman was also chairman of the board of trustees of the American Gem Society.
He graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz.
Mr. Speisman, who lived in Irvington, N.Y., is survived by his wife, Rena; his parents, Jack and Joyce; and three daughters, Tara, Brittany and Hayley.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
kat gospo
September 13, 2024
it sounds like we was amazing
Ellen Lacy
September 11, 2023
We were going to have dinner that night with Bob in LA. He had been with his daughter and told us, on the phone, what a great time they had had. And then said he would meet us in LA that night. Which never happened. So sad. We have thought about him a million times in the last 22 years.
Cathy Buckley
September 12, 2021
20 years later and you’ll never be forgotten for your friendship, laughter, kindness and more. Warmest regards to your family. Rest In Peace, dear Bob.
Laurie Spoon
September 12, 2021
I remember those music business days at Cashbox Magazine. Also, when Bob's Team (Howard Lowell and Cathy Buckley etc) had to work on Passover and I showed up with a complete Passover dinner. He was smart and very funny...miss you my friend!
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Jan Calass Montgomery
September 11, 2021
It has been twenty years but Bob is unforgettable. One of the nicest people I have ever known. Kind and funny, I will never forget.
Albert Speisman
September 20, 2019
Though we shared surnames I didn't know Robert Speisman. I always thought of him on each anniversary of 9-11. From what I have read about him he must have been a very nice person who I would have liked to have known.
Steven Baumholtz
August 6, 2017
I always felt that Bob was the luckiest man I ever knew. He never made a false move and every choice he made was for the best.
All these wonderful messages confirm how special he was. He is beloved still.
Del Newberry
November 18, 2015
It still hurts to read about the great people who were lost on this horrible day. I pray today for Bob's friends and especially his family, as they continue to be remember what a great legacy he left. May God richly bless you all today, and know that his memory will live on forever.
Much love from Texas,
Ankit Saggi
January 21, 2013
Hi Speisman Family,
My name is Ankit. I went to high school with your daughter, Hayley. I just found out about your family's loss, but I am very sorry to hear about Mr. Speisman's death. I hope that you all keep safe.
December 19, 2012
To The Family,
Eleven years has passed by so quickly but the hurt and pain of 9/11 will last until God Almighty brings an end to the present wicked system of things. In God's new system of things righteous deceased persons will be brought back to life with the precious opportunity of living forever. No, I did not know Mr. Speisman but I felt that it was imperative that I share this assured hope from God to you. Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of your loved one.
Sincerely,
Mr. Terry of NC
Judith Lederman
September 12, 2011
I was living in Irvington - and Eric Lederman - my son - was in Hayley's class. My heart goes out to your family and to all the families - and we send you our love. We are remembering...Judy Lederman
Cathy Buckley
September 11, 2011
Thinking of you today on the 10th anniversary of 9-11. May God bless you and watch over Rena and your daughters. My days at Cashbox with you were so great. You made everyone that met you smile. Rest in peace my friend, you were loved by so many.
Susan Stewart
September 11, 2011
Thinking of you today and always, Bob. We were so happy to have had the opportunity to know you. You were the greatest.
Stephen Franciosa
September 11, 2011
We met Bob when my daughter Mel played for our village soccer team. He was a volunteer coach. He was full of life and gave much of his time teaching our kids to play the game. Thanks to Bob they played just fine and we all had a lot of fun. To Rena and the girls; you are all in our thoughts and prayers today.
Eleanore
September 10, 2011
I will be praying for Robert and his family on the 10th anniversary of 9-11.
Norina Morales
May 31, 2011
Thanks to the latest entry by Cathy I now know this site is still accessible. Ironically this is within days of Bin Laden's demise. Still thinking of Bob and all of those that left us on 9/11.
I didn't intentionally want to remain anonymous on May 4, 2011.
Helen Hovey
May 29, 2011
Bob was one of my very first "best-male-friends". What a gentleman, and a gentle soul. As I sit here smug that Bin Laden is dead. My thoughts and prayers go out to Bob's entire family. He is sorely missed.
May 4, 2011
Thanks to the latest entry by Cathy I now know this site is still accessible. Ironically this is within days of Bin Laden's demise. Still thinking of Bob and all of those that left us on 9/11.
Cathy Weidman Buckley
May 3, 2011
I had the priviledge of working with Bob many years ago at Cashbox in Los Angeles. Bob always showed me so much kindness and helped me greatly in my job. He was a pleasure to be around. I just learned that Bob gave his life in the tragedy of 9-11. My heartfelt sympathy to his family. He will always be remembered as a bright light and a hero. May God bless you all.
Norina Morales
September 16, 2009
Because of Bob, many of his former dorm mates from New Paltz have just reunited as we stop and remember him. We will never forget.
Laurie Spoon
September 12, 2009
Remembering Bob and the the great times at Cashbox!
Fred preffer
September 11, 2009
Thinking of bob today... old friend from new palz
Helen Hovey
September 11, 2009
To The Family of Bob Speisman:
He is greatly missed ~ but ~ not forgotten ~ instead in my thoughts & prayers always. He was so supportive of my late husband and myself. Always giving ~ never expecting anything in return. There is no question in my mind, he will rest in iternal peace.
Helen Hovey
Fredric Rubel
September 10, 2009
Bob was a dear friend. We spent many wonderful times together. I spoke to Bob nearly every week. Usually we kidded each other about the Dodgers and the Mets. My wife, Joan, my sons David and Gary, miss you Bob. We will never forget you.
Peggy Childers
September 8, 2009
To the family of Robert Speisman:
Robert gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. My deepest sympathy to you. We must never forget!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Doug Abraham
August 9, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Matthew & Susan Stewart
September 11, 2008
Thinking of you today and always Bob.
Bob's LA Bar-Be-Que-;circa 1979
Helen Hovey
August 2, 2008
Deborah (Debbie) Gangloff
May 23, 2008
I went to HS with Bob and I lead the nonprofit conservation group American Forests in Washington, DC. Today I visited the Pentagon Memorial. My organization provided the funds for the trees at the Memorial, which will be dedicated this September 11, 2008. I was very moved by the tribute to Bob there, including his bench, reflecting pool and tree. Rest in peace, Bob.
Helen Hovey
November 19, 2007
I had the pleasure of meeting Bob back in the Music Industry in NYC. Our friendship endured & when I moved to Los Angeles, he was the first friend to say..."No problem,I'm renting a house on Melrose,you can stay as long as it takes to get on your feet".
Bob was a true friend. A one in a million. He will forever live in my heart of hearts & fond memories.
kristine
September 4, 2007
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Doug Abraham
September 2, 2007
Happy belated Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
July 19, 2007
In memory....
Julie Speisman
September 14, 2006
we miss you uncle robby!
Jennifer Frank
September 11, 2006
My thoughts are with the victims and their families left behind on this sad day. It's been five years today-we haven't forgotten the tragedy that day brought to lives all across the United States.
Laurie Spoon
September 12, 2005
Remembering Bob, his smile and sense of humour on this sad anniversary...
Dawn Jordan (Captain)
September 11, 2005
I grew up in Little Neck and was good friends with Terri, Rob's younger sister. I spent a lot of time at the Speisman house. Among other things, I remember watching lots of basketball games with the Speismans. Robbie was a great guy and my heart goes out to the whole Speisman family.
Tara Speisman
May 15, 2005
Friends,
As I prepare to graduate next week from Georgetown University, the hole in my heart grows deeper and more excrutiating. I stumbled upon this guestbook accidentily, and just want to express to all of you how much it means to read your kind words about my father. We are all lucky to have had him in our lives, however briefly, and we are better people because we have known him. Thank you for sharing such deeply personal thoughts...it has given me comfort to know that he will live forever in your hearts and memories, as he will in mine.
Laurie Spoon
April 9, 2004
I remember Bob from those crazy and wonderful days in the record business when I visited weekly the Cashbox crew. I'm thinking of him this week as we celebrate Passover and recall showing up at CB to bring Bob and Howard (Lowell) a Passover dinner when they were working late. Usually I brought pizza when they were staying late to do the charts--they loved having the holiday dinner. They were a funny and brilliant group of people and I'm sure their office still has all the records stuck in the ceiling--they used to play frisbee with the 45s and LPs--their version of dodge ball...
martin daniels
March 31, 2004
Thanks to all of you who wrote your feelings about my cousin, The Speis. Bob was the kind of guy to crack a joke or make you smile at the most unexpected moment.
For those who knew Bob when he was younger, you can be sure that he just got crazier and funnier over time.
We must remember that there are those still out there who think like the terrorists of 9/11, and it could have been you, me or any of us on that flight. We love ya and miss you, Speis!
Tom Anthony
February 6, 2004
Bob and I worked together marketing High-pressure, High-temperature processed Bellataire Diamonds at diamond conferences and jewelry stores in 2000 & 2001, as part of a joint venture between GE and Lazare Kaplan International. Bob was always on the go and always had a bright smile for everyone. His signature pony tail in the conservative world of diamond marketing made him easy to find at any meeting. On a typical Spiesman whirlwind trip just before Thanksgiving in 2000, Bob managed to herd me from LA to San Francisco to Chicago within a 24-hour period and give presentations at various jewelry stores in those cities. Because of tangled Chicago holiday traffic, we only just managed to catch our last connection home to the East Coast for Thanksgiving. While I was concerned about missing our plane, Bob never seem to worry and happily chatted away with Rena on his portable telephone while we were stuck in traffic. Bob was always chatting on his cell phone and his phone bill must have been something to see. He told me many stories about his daughters whom he was very proud of and funny stories about how he became engaged to his wife Rena when they were both working in the entertainment industry. Bob is irreplaceable and we still miss him in so many ways.
Dawn Jordan (Captain)
January 17, 2004
It's been many years- I spent a lot of time at the Speisman house when I was younger. Rob was a great guy. I am terribly sorry for your loss.
December 29, 2003
The Spiesman Family,
I am the daughter of friends of the family...i don't remember Bob well but i do remember going over to the house and visiting the family. I am praying for all of you, especially during this time of year. May God be with you through the hard times, and may you find peace until you are together again...
Bob Phillips
September 11, 2003
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Speis in the recording industry, back in the days when we would say "see ya later" in that casual way young men do. The last time was in June, 1980. Later never came.
I remember Bob as a genuinely warm and caring person, great fun to hang out with, with a keen intelligence and wit. I was glad to hear that he had moved on to a great career, and had the loving family and friends that he did. He should have had much more time in this world with them.
Thanks for the pleasure of our association, Speis.
See ya later.
Diane Vetter Squires
September 11, 2003
I am thinking of you today, Bob, as I will every year when this day comes. I send my thoughts and prayers to your family on this difficult anniversary, and hope they can find the comfort they seek in the impact you made on so many lives.
robert goldwitz
September 16, 2002
Bobby was one of the warmest, sweetest individuals I ever had the honor to know. From New Paltz days to his special "gift" helping us pick our engagement ring, Bob always gave of himself. He was one of the "gang" of SUNY graduates I knew and called friends on the Upper Westside of Manhattan. He was always there for me with a smile and kind words. There was never anyone like him in the group...his specialness and sweet voice will live in our hearts forever.
Allyson Flynn
September 15, 2002
God bless Bob Speisman. I didnt know him personally until the anniversary of September 11 when i wore a wrist band with his name on it. God bless his family and his friends my heart goes out to u all.
Diane Vetter Squires
September 10, 2002
I worked at Leon Tempelsman & Son for several years in the late 80's and early 90's. My coworkers became my family, and Bob was one of my favorite members. His office was situated at the bottom of the stairwell that led from my floor to his, and whenever I went down to see my boss, Bob's was the first face I'd see when I opened the door. He was always smiling up at me with that killer grin, and I never knew what I had coming. Sometimes I'd slide along the wall and try to pass unnoticed, but he'd never let me get by in peace - always had to do SOMETHING - get up and dance behind his desk, break out in some ridiculous song (or HIS version of it), ask me if I "liked his haircut". Sometimes I asked for it - like the time I came down and he was sitting there gazing into the hallway seemingly in a daze, and I asked "Bob, what are you doing?" His answer - "Working out."
I can't count how many times I walked into my boss' office after a confrontation with Bob, trying to focus on work, holding back a laugh as I thought about what Bob had just done a few seconds before. I actually hated going down there when he was out of the office and finding his room dark - "no laugh for Diane today."
I have come to know more about Bob's personal interests and involvements through the articles and tributes I have read over the last year, and feel honored to have learned what a truly special person he was. So although it may have been in a small way, with a song or a dance, he made my world a lighter place on heavy days. His memory will always be with me, and I wanted to tell him on the eve of this anniversary, that I feel privileged to have known him. My heart, prayers and deepest condolences to Rena, his daughters and the rest of his family.
Laurie Todd
September 9, 2002
In 1978, Bob was my roommate in West Hollywood. We both worked in the recording industry, at the time. I never had a brother before, but Bob became my big brother. Giving me advice on men, music, etc. He was one of the most loved, people I had ever known. He had a charisma about him that you don't forget. Everytime I hear Springsteen, I think of him. He turned me on the The Boss and the tribute that Bruce did for the victims of 9/11, was very moving and ironic.
My regards to his family. I have not seen Bob in over 20 years but I will alway remember him.
dawn kopman whidden
September 8, 2002
I remember the boy. I remember the teenager. I wish I had the luck to remember the man. My heartfelt wishes to his mom and dad and brother and sister.
An old childhood friend.
dawn kopman whidden
Eric Morson
June 27, 2002
You were always a confidant, friend, and I always loved our mutual birthday wishes every August 9th. I love and miss you my friend... Heartfelt wishes and love from Michele and me to the Speisman & Tempelsman families.
God Bless you Speis.....
Kathy Swaringen
May 31, 2002
On May 28, 2002, 1 mile was walked to honor the life of Robert and all the family, friends and loved ones he left behind. May you find some comfort in knowing that you do not grieve alone.
Robert, you may be gone but will never be forgotten, may you rest in peace.
May 7, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL YOUNG MAN..ROBERT SPEISMAN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Peter Graves
February 17, 2002
I knew Bob at Lazare Kaplan and was shocked when seeing his photo in the International Herald upon returning from overseas in September. He was an excellent guy, full of life, who I know will be sorely missed by the Speisman and Tempelsman families. God bless you, Bob.
Peter Graves
Washington, DC
Teresa Jahn
January 12, 2002
We are very sorry for your loss of Robert. May his life and love live on in you. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Crissy Wade
December 5, 2001
I am grateful to have this opportunity to offer the Speisman family, and all those who loved him, my deep sympathy for their loss. I worked at Heitner Weiss, Lazare Kaplan's advertising agency, for many years, and had the pleasure of working with Bob. I will NEVER forget his enthusiasm, his smile, and his ponytail. Peace be with you.
Jann Fling
November 12, 2001
Bob, you touched my life in so many ways. I wanted to be at your memorial service because I've heard that grief shared is grief halved. I missed being with people who knew the delight of you and share the sorrow of you leaving us. Thanks for being the guy you were. Thanks for being such a big part of who I am. The ache you leave behind is huge.
Nancy & Mark Mazur
November 12, 2001
You're in our hearts and thoughts everyday. The train is just not the same without my Buddy.
charlotte kaplan
October 15, 2001
Our deepest condolences to Bob's family from my father Paul, my mother Ann, my brother Davian, and myself. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Amanda McLimans
October 14, 2001
God bless Robert. I am a young high school student and for my sunday school each of us was given a card with one of the victims on it, I chose Robert. Im so sorry to his family but I will be praying for all of you! God Bless!!
Amy Imperato
October 4, 2001
I did not know Robert, but my mother did, and I have heard such wonderful things about him. He was a very well loved man. I want to send my condolences to his family.
BARBARA BOLIN
October 1, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
ROBERT MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Byron Moss
September 28, 2001
I never got a chance to say what I really wanted to say at the memorial service. I loved Bob. We had a special relationship which I cherished. I miss him now and forever.
Norina Morales
September 25, 2001
The spirit of "Speis" lives on.
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