Robert Luther Rohrbach

Robert (Bob) Luther Rohrbach, a proud veteran, loving family man, and dedicated community member, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2023, in Somers, NY. Born on May 21, 1928 in Queens, NY, to Arthur and Theresa (Luther) Rohrbach, Bob's life was marked by service, love, and a deep appreciation for nature.
Bob was a proud alumnus of the Fort Schuyler Maritime Academy, Class of '49, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Marine Science. For three and a half years after graduation, he sailed on various Esso (Exxon) tankers as AB, third, and second mate before he was called into the US Navy. Bob served from 1952 to 1954 stationed mainly in Norfolk, VA, on board the Taconic AGC17 as Combat Information Center Officer and Officer of the Deck underway. He was discharged from the Navy with a rank of Lieutenant (Junior Grade).
After his military service, Bob embarked on a successful career as a Shipping Broker for the Victor B. Benham Company, Ltd., where he worked for 42 years. His dedication and hard work were evident in his long-standing tenure with the company.
Bob was not only a dedicated professional, but also a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving children, Karen (Glenn) Cestaro, Nancy (Steven) Trombetta, Ellen (Brian) Parise, and Sarah (Martel) Meyer. He was a proud grandfather to Jacqueline (Ryan) Cooney, Michael (Becky) Parise, Francesca Trombetta, Caitlin Parise, and Benjamin Trombetta, and great-grandfather to Riley and Emma Cooney. Bob was predeceased by his wife, Barbara; his brother, Wilbur; and his parents, Arthur and Theresa.
Bob enjoyed annual vacations with family in Lake George, NY, and in later years in Martha's Vineyard, MA. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sporting events (he was their biggest fan), theatrical and musical performances, and graduations. He had a great love for all animals, especially the family dogs and cats.
Bob was an active member of his community. He was a long-standing member of the Thornwood Lions Club. While living in Heritage Hills, Bob was a member of 10-A Men's Club and volunteered with the Health and Safety Committee, helping his wife Barbara run the Flu Shot program.
Bob was a loyal Dodgers fan and an avid reader. He enjoyed gardening and looked forward to potting his flowers every spring.
Bob was a man who lived his life with honor, love, and a deep sense of community. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His memory will be cherished and his life celebrated for the love and joy he brought into the world. Bob's life was a testament to a life well-lived and he will be deeply missed.
All are welcome to attend a visitation on Friday, October 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home in Mahopac, NY. Personal words and eulogies will be shared at 12:00 noon following the visitation. Interment with Naval Military Honors will follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Putnam Valley, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in his name to: The SUNY Maritime Foundation
• Mail checks payable to "SUNY Maritime Foundation" to:
6 Pennyfield Avenue
Throggs Neck, NY 10465
• Online at sunymaritime.edu/donate-now.
• Please indicate that your gift is a Tribute Gift in Robert Rohrbach's memory.
OR Comfort Care Rooms at Phelps Memorial Hospital
1. Online at: https://phelpsgiving.org/give-now
You can designate "Comfort Care" on the drop-down menu.
2. Send checks payable to "Phelps Hospital" to:
Development Office
Attn: Jill Scibilia
1 Phelps Lane, Suite 106
Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
Please add "Comfort Care-Robert Rohrbach" in the memo field.
3. By phone: please call Christine Creat at 914-366-3107 for assistance.