Robert Anthony Solinger passed away on Friday, September 23, in Greenport, N.Y., at the age of 58, from lung cancer. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family. Bob fought courageously but gracefully, never losing his wonderful sense of humor or appreciation for even the smallest miracles life brought.

Bob was born in Rockville Centre, N.Y.,on November 18, 1952, to Barbara and Raymond Solinger. He attended Canterbury School in New Milford, Conn., and Denison University in Granville, Ohio, where he graduated with honors and a B.A. in History in 1974.

Right after college, Bob married Carol Ann Cook, his college sweetheart. Together they moved to New York, where Bob worked for a decade at his family’s business, Rocklyn Fuel Oil Corporation in Oceanside, N.Y.

In 1985, seeking a simpler life, he and Carol moved to Maine, where they raised their three children. For 22 years they owned and operated Rideout Gardens, a thriving greenhouse business in Eddington, Maine.

Bob was passionate about his plants, coaching his championship chess teams at Holbrook Middle School and John Bapst High School, riding his bike and reading history — but above all else, Bob cared about his family and his many friends.

He is survived by his best friend and wife, Carol; daughters, Juliana and Corey Jean; son, Raymond Robert; his mother, Barbara Solinger; sisters, Barbara Lee and Laura; and brother, Buddy. He was predeceased by his father, Raymond Solinger (2008). Bob was deeply loved, and life will never be the same without him.

Email Bobsmemorial@gmail.com for information about memorial arrangements.

Contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to the Palliative Care Program at Stony Brook University Memorial Hospital. Please make checks payable to SBF Palliative Care Program and mail to Stony Brook University, Office of Advancement, Clark House, Stony Brook, NY 11794-4020.

Or to: East End Hospice, 481 Westhampton-Riverhead Road, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978-7048.

This is a paid notice.