Robert Tulin

1923 - 2012

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Robert Tulin passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 4, 2012, at his home in Saratoga Springs, New York.
He wanted to thank all of his doctors, Brian Izzo; David Mastrianni; Christopher Hoy; Scott Biasetti; Zack Passaretti and Edward Lee; and their nurses and staffs for their great care, good humor and tolerance. He especially wanted to thank his friend, Sue De Grasse, and his angel from Saratoga Hospice, Miss Donna Hayes, for their comfort, kindness and love.
Bob was born on May 22, 1923, in New York City. He spent his childhood with his family on Summit Avenue in Cedarhurst, New York. After graduating from Lawrence High School, Bob enrolled in Rutgers University. Many of his classmates and he received "early" diplomas to enable them to enlist in the United States Armed Forces.
Bob was 18 years old when he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He was a Flight Officer, having received his Navigator's Wings at Selman Field in Monroe, Louisiana. He was a World War II Veteran and enjoyed many good times in Saratoga Springs with his fellow Veteran and friend from Meteorology School, Bob DeSio.
After World War II, Bob received a Master's Degree from New York University. On August 24, 1948, he married Margot Edythe Greenman. Bob and Margot had three boys, Peter, Alan and Steven. In the "Fifties," Bob worked for Parker-Kalon Corporation, a manufacturing company that was founded by his grandfather-in-law. When the family elected to sell that company, Bob was able to convert his life-long avocation, photography, into a career. He began that career working for his brother, Marshall Tulin, at Swank Incorporated. In conjunction with his photography, Bob became Advertising Manager and Vice President of Visual Communication.
About 25 years ago, Bob and Margot moved to Saratoga Springs. He loved everything about Saratoga. Bob and Margot purchased a home around-the-corner from their grandchildren Chaz and Sarah Tulin. Bob and Chaz shared a love of music, and were both accomplished ocarinaists. Both were intrigued by mechanical devices. Bob taught Chaz how to use power tools, and Chaz taught Bob how to use computers. Bob was amazed and proud that Sarah decided to make aliyah to Israel when she was 17. He found it ironic that the first "Tulin" to fight in a Jewish army in more than 1,900 years was a female, but he liked the idea.
Bob was a gifted raconteur and very funny. He loved to tell two particular jokes: "The Toothbrush Salesman" and "The Queen, The Graffiti, The Duke Of Windsor, and The Mashed Potatoes." Bob was simple, direct, stubborn and charming. Well, sometimes charming. Many adults and children in Saratoga Springs will remember him driving around town, roof open to the sky, every day, twelve months a year, with two happy pups in his Volkswagen Thing or PT Cruiser.
Bob's wife, Margot, predeceased him on June 22, 2011. He was also predeceased by his parents, Adeline and Alexander Tulin; his brother and sister-in-law, Marshall and Jean Tulin; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Merv and Nan Dorfman; and many spoiled dogs.
Bob is survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Andy and Brenda Greenman; his children, Peter Tulin, Alan Tulin and Steven Tulin; his grandchildren, Chaz Tulin and Sarah Tulin; his nieces, Susan Jamison, Debbie Hartman, Jennifer Steurer and Kathy Figueroa; his nephews, Jeff Greenman, Bobby Dorfman, John Tulin and Jim Tulin; his friends, Sue De Grasse and Jean Tulin; and his constant companions, Moby and Zeus.
Bob will be buried at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2012, in the Gerald B.H. Solomon-Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, New York. A memorial service celebrating Bob's life will be held at noon Wednesday at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, New York.
Bob wanted his friends to consider memorial contributions to the Saratoga Springs Police Department, Fire Department or Recreation Department for their youth programs.