Robert E. Baumann

BAUMANN-Robert E., of Ft. Meyers, Florida and Oceanside, NY, died Monday, January 23, 2006, of emphysema. He was born on July 2, 1922, in Oceanside, NY, to his parents, Harry H. and Emma (Koehler) Baumann. Bob is survived by one sister, Mrs. Muriel Kinsman. Friday, January 20, 2006, marked Bob's and his wife, Roz's 65th wedding anniversary. Bob and Rosalyn (formerly of Lynbrook, Long Island, NY) were instrumental in the development of summer day camps for boys and girls and the establishment of National Camping Association guidelines for day camp operators. Known as "Uncle Bob", he was among the first to provide wonderful summer activities to thousands of children for more than a 35 year time period at two Camp Baumann locations in Oceanside, NY, and Merrick, NY. Bob's intuitive relationship and charisma as a camp director never failed to instill a love of going to camp among the children who were fortunate enough to attend Camp Baumann. The Baumanns also owned and operated Camp Baumann Buses, Inc. and Nassau Coach, two bus companies that provided transportation to school for many Long Island, NY, school districts. Bob helped to establish national safety standards for school bus operators throughout the United States. His contributions to safety standards for school bus operators and their implementation continue to help keep children safe today. Bob played many years of football for the Long Island, NY, Anthonians, coached by his brother, Howard. In 1944, Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. As a running back, Bob was commandeered to play football for the Marine Corps under the direction of the team coach, the famed Clipper Smith. All of the Marine Corps team players were Collegiate All American. A highlight of Bob's playing career came in a game against a Navy Pre-flight team at Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Marines were ahead at half time 14-0, Bob having scored two touchdowns. However, the great Otto Graham played that day and passed his way to fame and stardom. The Navy Pre-flight team defeated the Marine Corps 20-14. After Marine Corps service, Bob continued to play football and enjoyed playing a short time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bob was always active in his Oceanside community. He served as Chief of the fire and rescue company, and was President of the Oceanside Kiwanis Club. He was Master of the Oceanside Masonic Lodge and a member of the Scottish Rite and Kismet Temple. Bob also helped to develop Long Island, NY, Little League Baseball through his association with the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers, which included baseball legendaries Carl Erskine and Duke Snider. Bob also enjoyed playing golf and was a long time member of the Glens Falls, NY, Country Club, having joined it in 1955. He also enjoyed spending the summers with his family in Lake Luzerne, NY. Under the tutelage of noted harness racing driver Stanley Dancer, Bob became a professional harness horse driver. He enjoyed racing at many tracks around the United States. This sport interest led him to be a founder of the National Harness Racing Association, created with the help of attorney F. Lee Bailey. Bob and his wife retired to Ft. Myers, Florida and moved in the early 1980's to the Fiddlesticks Country Club. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosalyn, his children, son Robert E. Baumann, Jr. of Rockville Centre, NY, daughters Sharon Herlihy of Coooperstown, NY, Penny Farran of Ft. Myers, and Diane Wilson of Sammamish, Washington. Bob is survived also by 12 grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association.