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Robert Frederick VORREYER

1924 - 2016

BORN

1924

DIED

2016

About

University of Illinois

Robert VORREYER Obituary

VORREYER, Robert Frederick
Robert Frederick Vorreyer (August 25, 1924 - January 27, 2016) was truly a master of graphic media. The power and dynamics of Robert's graphics are in the use of negative space in the skillful rendering of the human form. Handled with great sensitivity and dignity, the figures seem to be alive with a sharpness that challenges the eye of the beholder. Robert was born in Downers Grove, a suburb of Chicago, IL and graduated from the Downers Grove High School with and art scholarship to an accredited college. He attended the University of Illinois, the Brooklyn Museum Art School, the Royal Academy in London as well as studying independently with various artists. Robert was a World War II special service artist in Camp Robinson, AR and eventually became the art director for TLVA Infantry/Airborne School in Fort Benning, Georgia. From 1958 until his retirement, Robert became the Director of Display and Production for Charles Wood Enterprises in Lake George, NY. In 1969 and 1973, he also designed the New York State Float - Inaugural Parade in Washington, DC. Robert was a charter member of the Adirondack Artists Guild. He was also the past Chair for Liturgical Art on the Architectural Committee for the Albany Catholic Diocese (New York) and eventually became president of the Norton Artists Guild (West Palm Beach, FL). Robert was a special, talented man and had a huge influence on everything from art and dance lessons to celebrations of life with his many friends. His unlimited creativity will live on in all the timeless art and memories that he created. He will be fondly remembered by all the lives he has touched.
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Published by The Palm Beach Post from Jan. 29 to Jan. 30, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert VORREYER

14 Entries

Linda A Waterhouse

September 16, 2025

Bob, I knew you were talented, however, I did not know to what extent until sadly I read your obituary. I am honored to have worked beside you for years storytown / The Great escape I am looking right now at 2 trivets you made that I shall forever treasure. May your talented soul rest in peace. Linda

Mitch Grossman

May 6, 2023

Dearest Robert, I did not know you crossed over almost 7 years ago. We were
Good friends and I was a subject for this piece of Artwork Robert painted of me. It's an original and it's been hanging in my home for over 35 years. I remember when Robert Ran up to me on the street, complete strangers at that moment and he started circling me as if I was his prey.. lol. After sizing me up and down he asked
If I would be interested in having him paint a nude portrait. The rest is history, as you can see it is very tasteful and crispy in colors. His lines are immaculate. RIP my dear old friend. MG

James W Gallucci

August 16, 2021

I'm so sorry my friend Bob Vorreyer. I have been looking for you for a while and only now found this page. Bob was so talented, so friendly and the best sense of humor. My father also was very fond of him. I'm just sorry I didn't locate Bob prior to his passing. What a man and what an artist.

Johnny Zoppe

March 4, 2017

I modeled for Robert several times. He was my friend and mentor like no other. He worked with me teaching me techniques as I was learning artwork that I love to do so much. I was his model and student. A very dear dear friend I will never forget. Pain in my heart whenever I think of our loss. Johnny Zoppe

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Another artists work of me.

Edward Bond

September 12, 2016

I was a model for dear Robert years ago. Is there any connection that you can steer me toward the family? My number is 404.409.1399 and I'm in Atlanta. Just trying to retrieve the works, at least to find it. Thank you.

patti ponka

February 16, 2016

Robert was so easy to love. he was a great artist ,and i too have a beauty he gave me too .he also gave me the framed newspaper article ,is a funny piece ,and has his picture ,so is more special.but i also had the honor of sending out things around the country .his art ,old works and new things he made ,and his books .his inspirations.he knew i planted a garden ,or a tree ,plant ,for every loss ,a person ,animal ,or even a famous person . just a thing ,i have done it for a long time ..he put in a order recently. my fav is a weeping willow .he loved them too . so ,he asked that when i go to Michigan in may ,me and a best buddy ,who robert met,and shared cards ,art and love and admired , that we would plant a nice weeping willow .i hoped he lived to see the photos ,but was not to be. is funny that i will plant a whole garden for robert .and an apple tree too .it will feed the animals and that is a fine legacy . his wish . so come spring ,plant a tree,shrub ,or a simple plant .and think of Robert .

H Hansen Jr.

February 9, 2016

I got to know Robert through the Glens Falls New York YMCA. Even though its been decades I remember him in the men's fitness center where you new when Robert was there. Well anyway Robert use to hang one of his many art works in the fitness center and we all felt honored to have his art displayed. Not everybody was honored because Robert was asked to remove one of his art works because of its content, being the bigmouth I am I stood up for him about two days later Robert shows up at my office and gives me the painting I am the one that is honored. That painting and two other paintings of Robert hang in my office to this day. Rest in peace

rick bello

February 6, 2016

I was a co-worker with bob at CRW (storytown) he will be missed by many, rest in peace freind.

Neil, Ellen, Kate, Sarah McPhillips

February 1, 2016

Robert, your art provides us with so much enjoyment. Your talent was so varied and creative. You also provided Kate and Sarah with magical memories at Christmas time when we went to see the Nutcracker you did the scenery for in Schenectady, NY. Letting them sit on Clara's throne, meeting the horse who had a guest appearance on stage each year as well as introducing them to NYC Ballet stars. You will be greatly missed for the joy you brought us and the many stories about your wonderful times with the Glens Falls NY crew. Rest in peace, Robert.

Darlene Myers

January 30, 2016

To us at Northeast Ballet Co and Myers Studio in upstate New York Uncle Robert was our Friend, mentor, Art director and inspiration !
he will be missed by many generations of dancers , choreographers and costume designers who worked with him ( side by side) for decades !
His set decorations and pieces live on in our annual Nutcracker at the spectacular Proctors theatre annually .
We will miss him and celebrate him as the curtain rises annually on our production. ..............................
Much Love to you Robert as you watch over us from the greatest balcony in heaven . We know you are at peace now .

Steve Potfora

January 29, 2016

What a beautifully written text, thank you for your writing. He would appreciate all of the kind words and will be missed.

Make my bed and light the light, I'll arrive late tonight
Blackbird, bye bye.

...it was his favorite song.
Bye Bye Blackbird

Steve Potfora
NYC