Robert Lee Schiffman

Robert Lee Schiffman passed away at the age of 94 on Sept 6, 2023, peacefully in his sleep. Bobby was a loving husband to his wife of 30 years, Betsy and a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather. A service to celebrate his life will be held at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel on Sunday, September 10, at 11 a.m.
Bobby grew up in Mount Vernon, NY, studied at NYU, and joined his father and brother at the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem in the early 50s. Bobby took control of the Apollo in 1960 as owner/manager and cemented the theater's legendary status as a musical mecca, pioneering shows still running today like Showtime at the Apollo and Amateur Night.
Bobby had a hand in launching the careers of countless musical icons, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., James Brown, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, and Dionne Warwick, by featuring them at the Apollo. He also helped launch Redd Foxx's television career and worked with legends like Jackie Robinson in contributing to the Harlem community.
After retiring in the early 1980s, Bobby embarked on a steady stream of activities, including golf and skeet shooting, which he continued upon moving to South Florida in 1994. He served as president of the Fountains Country Club and spearheaded a major remodel and expansion of the clubhouse during his term.
Bobby was the shining light in every room he entered, regaling everyone with his stories of the Apollo and making friends everywhere he went. He'll be missed terribly, but everyone who knew him is grateful to have been able to enjoy his company for so long.
Given that the Apollo Theater was the true passion of Bobby's life, instead of flowers, donations can be made at https://www.apollotheater.org/donate/.
Webcasting for Funeral: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/92240/hash:0A3F39F6C1C4F81E