Robert E. Furstner

Robert E. Furstner, 77, International Banker, avid gardener, and nature lover Robert E. Furstner of Westfield, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 21, 2010, after a battle with cancer. He was born in The Netherlands on August 6, 1932. After completing his education and his military service in the Royal Dutch Air Force in 1955, he began his career in the shipping industry with Holland America Line in Rotterdam. In 1962, he was transferred to the New York office of the company. He remained with Holland America Line until 1968. Mr. Furstner then joined J.P. Morgan. He continued his banking career with European American Bank and Banco Portugues do Atlantico, from which he retired in 1995. After his retirement he became an active volunteer at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. For many years he was Treasurer of the Cowperthwaite Condominium Association and he participated in the annual Westfield Library Book Sale. During the last years of his life he served on the Board of Trustees of the Youth and Family Counseling Service. Mr. Furstner was an enthusiastic gardener and nature lover. He and his wife were avid hikers who enjoyed travel in the US and abroad. He is survived by his beloved wife, May, also of The Netherlands, whom he met and married in New York City in 1965.; a son, Andrew, and his wife, Meredith, of Alexandria Township, N.J. Mr. Furstner is also survived by two brothers, several cousins and nieces and nephews in The Netherlands and South Africa. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 30, 2010, at 11:00 AM at Gray Funeral Home, 318 E. Broad Street, Westfield. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Youth and Family Counseling Service, 233 Prospect Street, Westfield, NJ 07090.