Robert William "Bob" Luckow

Robert William Luckow, 78 years old of Wyckoff, NJ died suddenly Wednesday, September 24, 2025 after a wonderful life. He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Audrey J. Luckow (Spiotto), daughter and the apple of his eye, Stefanie Luckow Hawkinson, son-in-law, Adam Hawkinson, and the light of his life, grandsons Erik William and James Michael Hawkinson, as well as the large, extended families of his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Stella Luckow, brother Michael Paul Luckow, and nephew Michael Robert Luckow.

Born May 18, 1947, Bob's early childhood was modest. He grew up on the streets of the lower east side, Alphabet City, playing stickball with his brother, Michael, and friends. His parents worked hard to provide for the boys, raising them to be competitive, generous, and loving. At age ten, his family moved to Paramus, NJ where he soon thrived as a standout athlete in both football and track and field for the Paramus High School Spartans. Bob earned the nickname "Baby Bull" for his athletic prowess and his dazzling speed.

He played to win. Bobby would often say "life is not a dress rehearsal, we are only passing through once" and "I'd rather be 'LUCKY' than smart." Bob was both!

He was definitely lucky in love. Bob met in 1978 and later married the love of his life, Audrey J. Spiotto and together they built a life right out of a fairy tale. They moved to Wyckoff where they became prominent members of the community and raised their daughter, Stefanie. They loved doing everything together. Audrey was by his side until the very end.

Bob started his long and distinguished Wall Street career as an employee of NYSE at age 19 (as a squad boy). He was then hired by PV Hall as a clerk. From there, Bobby, as he was known on the floor, joined Seskis & Co. until they were acquired by Spear, Leeds, & Kellogg. Bob became a Specialist and purchased a seat on the New York Stock Exchange in 1977. Bob was a Senior Partner at SLK. He was a force on the floor. His trading acumen was legendary as well as his generosity on the exchange. He was a Governor at the NYSE. Bob was honored at the end of his career by having the privilege of ringing the "Closing Bell" on the floor of the exchange surrounded by his family, friends, and colleagues.

Bob served in the National Guard from 1969-1975 and loved his country. He was a lifelong New York Yankee Fan and you could not miss him sitting in his seats behind homeplate with his daughter Stefanie. He loved and took pride that he once threw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium and taking his grandsons to their first World Series game last year was a dream come true. Bob loved all New York sports, however, his favorite sports to watch were any that his grandsons, Erik and James, participated in. Bob was the epitome of the proud grandpa!

As comfortable grilling on the pool deck in Delaware as he was at a black-tie affair at the Regis, Bob was a consummate host. Family was everything to him, worth more than anything. Busloads of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and grandsons spent memorable trips to his "happiest place on Earth" – Disney World! Bob firmly believed that the love of family is life's greatest blessing. He lived that every day.

A generous philanthropist, Bob and Audrey freely donated money and time to the Valley Health Systems, Villanova University, Holy Angels High School, the Wyckoff Community, Quest Autism Programs, and countless causes that supported and helped so many. His humility meant that many contributions were made anonymously.

The family will receive friends and family on Thursday, October 2, from 3 - 7 pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. A Funeral Service/Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 3, at 10:30 am at St. Elizabeth of Hungry, 700 Wyckoff Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. Interment will follow at Maryrest Cemetery, 770 Darlington Avenue, Mahwah, NJ.

In his memory, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

1. Valley Health System: The Robert and Audrey Luckow Cancer Pavilion

2. Valley Health System: The Michael R. Luckow Heart Center

3. Quest Autism Programs, Inc.