Robert James "Bob" Rohrbach Jr.

Robert James "Bob" Rohrbach, Jr.
April 2, 1955 - October 11, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert James "Bob" Rohrbach, Jr., a native of Garden City, New York, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 11, 2025, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 70.
Born on April 2, 1955, in Garden City, Bob grew up on Long Island, where his lifelong devotion to athletics began. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Garden City Junior and Senior High Schools. The son of Jeanne and Robert Rohrbach, Sr.-both accomplished athletes-Bob followed in their footsteps, excelling in every sport he played. He lettered in three sports at Garden City High School before attending the University of Dayton, where he earned a degree in accounting and discovered his lifelong passion for soccer.
As a forward at Dayton, Bob became a standout player, scoring an impressive 69 career goals, achieving All-American status and earning honors that would eventually lead to his induction into the Dayton Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993. He still holds Dayton's all-time records for career goals (69), single-season goals (31), and goals in a game (7). His professional soccer career took him to the North American Soccer League, where he was a first round draft pick by the New York Cosmos in 1977 and played for other NASL teams, including the Colorado Caribous and Detroit Express and Major Indoor Soccer League teams, the Pittsburgh Spirit and Columbus Magic. During his time with the Cosmos, Bob played alongside global icons such as Pelé and other legendary players of his era.
Bob's playing days were tragically cut short in April 1980, when a collision on the field left him in a four-day coma and ended his professional career. Undeterred, he carried the same determination into every chapter that followed. He co-founded R&R Procurement, an international freight-forwarding business based in Houston, which he successfully operated for many years. His work allowed him to travel the world, meet people from all walks of life, and experience the adventure he loved so much.
It was while traveling with his soccer team that Bob met the love of his life, Sally Crutchfield. They shared many happy years together and were blessed with three children-Jeffrey, Stephanie, and Christopher. No matter what life brought, Bob's love and pride for his family remained steadfast. He credited Sally for the success and character of their children and later found immeasurable joy in becoming "Papa" to his beloved grandchildren-Andrew, Margaret, and Caroline Rohrbach, and James Land.
Bob had a natural gift for connecting with people. He was everyone's favorite coach, leading his sons' Little League teams with enthusiasm, patience and a sense of fun that made every player feel valued. Beyond the field, he had a remarkable way of bringing people together. Always the life of the party, his humor, energy and easy charm filled every room and made him a friend to all.
A confident public speaker with a magnetic presence, Bob inspired many through his story of recovery and faith. In his later years, he found deep purpose in his counseling work at The PARC Rehabilitation Center, where he encouraged others toward hope and healing. His faith became the cornerstone of his life, guiding him to serve and uplift those walking the same road he once traveled.
At the heart of it all was Bob's love for his family. In recent years, his greatest joy came from cheering on his grandchildren, attending their games, and celebrating every milestone. His warmth, humor, and unwavering spirit will forever live in the hearts of all who knew him-as a father, grandfather, friend, coach, teammate, and mentor.
Bob is survived by his son, Jeffrey, daughter-in-law, Stephanie, and grandchildren, Andrew, Margaret and Caroline Rohrbach; daughter Stephanie, son-in-law, Taylor, and grandson, James Land; and son, Christopher Rohrbach, engaged to Lindsay Rather.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jeanne Rohrbach; and sisters, Mary Rohrbach and Patricia Thomas.
A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, November 5, at 10 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Houston, Texas.
A livestream option will be available starting 10 minutes before. Link
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Lord of the Streets or Open Door Mission in Houston, Texas, two organizations close to Bob's heart.