The passing of Robert Joseph “Bobby” Walther,
Class of 1954
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Robert Joseph “Bobby” Walther, Class of 1954. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, classmates, during this very sad time.
To honor Bobby’s memory, a dedicated memorial page has been created, and the Sayville Alumni Association will lovingly remember him each year on his birthday, August 13th. We hope that this tribute brings comfort to those who knew and loved Bobby, keeping his spirit alive in our hearts.
A beautiful obituary was published by our friends at Moloney Funeral Home (direct link is below and also copied below);
https://www.moloneyfh.com/obituaries/robert-walther
We are very grateful to his Deb Walter, for informing us of her Dad’s passing via our website Legacy Information Submission Portal.
Robert Joseph Walther
April 10, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Walther.
Bob was born and raised in Holbrook, NY. He was a 1954 graduate of Sayville High School.
His passion was the Holbrook Fire Department Fire Department, where he was an honorary chief, along with a 2 time Department Fireman of the year and Lightning Engine Company #1 Firefighter of the year. He was recently honored for 70 years of service. He spent many hours at his daughter’s house listening to the fire calls on his laptop, such was his dedication to the department.
He and his late wife Barbara met through the department. They had 64 years together. They built a home in Holbrook and together, shared much with the community. They were members of the Lions Club and participated in many fundraisers. They raised 2 children: Debbie and Steve.
Bob worked hard for his family. He attended SUNY Farmingdale part time when his children were very young, learning HVAC. He worked for Reuters for > 25 years, then part time at the Holbrook FD. He worked until he was 85…reluctantly retiring after suffering a small stroke.
He loved his family dearly. He was an umpire for his daughter’s softball leagues, a coach for his son’s street hockey team (won coach of the year the night his own Dad passed).
Bob was “crafty”. He built his kids an ice-skating rink, a wooden twisty hockey game (Rangers vs. Islanders, lots of fights over who got the Rangers). He was best known for his firetrucks. He was an artist and didn’t know it.
He was born on Holbrook and died in Holbrook, just as he wanted.
Please share your favorite stories of Bob with us. He was a quiet man who left a big footprint on us all.