Robert Stormwind

Robert Stormwind passed away peacefully at home in Bayswater, Queens at the age of 91, surrounded by family. Bob, born in Manhattan and raised in Brooklyn, is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Joan; his daughter Leslie and son-in-law Walter Ho; his son Brian and daughter-in-law Joannie Stormwind; and grandchildren Elliana, Lydia, and Benjamin. Bob was preceded in death by his son Adam, sister Ellen and brother-in-law Sid Berke, and his parents Gertrude and Benjamin.

Bob had a long and respected career as a pharmacist before retiring, but his life was defined as much by the passions he pursued outside of work. He loved playing golf and tennis, fishing and travelling. He also loved playing poker with neighbors and on-line - he particularly enjoyed recounting hands of Texas Hold'em. At 90 years old, he played his last rounds of golf at Marine Park in Brooklyn with Benjamin, Brian and Walter (followed by visits to Rocco's of Roc Beach for some great Italian!). He also spent many summer afternoons at Silver Point beach club in Atlantic Beach, relaxing and chatting with friends - well, mostly napping.

In his earlier years Bob was a billiards player, and a good one. Spending many hours in a Brooklyn pool hall where games were often played for a bottle of Yoo-hoo. One of his favorite stories was the day he faced the legendary Willie Mosconi (Minnesota Fats rival) in a game of eight ball - Willie broke and cleared the table before Bob even had a turn. Bob and sons Adam and Brian spent many hours at the basement table getting lessons and trying to beat him.

Bob was a prolific reader, and particularly science fiction, one of the many bonds he shared with Leslie. Bob was quiet in a crowd, but often the smartest person in the room.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1956 and served until 1958. He and Joan spent those years together at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, a major training center for combat engineers and basic trainees during the Cold War era. There, Bob continued his work as a pharmacist, supporting the base community.

He will be missed dearly by his family, as well as by friends and neighbors whose lives he touched with his kindness and quiet wisdom. His memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him.