Bob Rothman

Bob Rothman died peacefully Dec. 16, 2011, at Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport — the same hospital where he began his life. He was 84 years old.

Married to Audrey Rothman for 61 years, he is survived by three sons, Chuck, Ron and Michael; their wives, Susan, Madelyn and Karen; his sister Joan Brill-Kallmayer; and five grandchildren, Lisa, Gregory, Rebecca, Chelsea and Justin. He was predeceased by his sister Emma Levin and a brother, Buddy.

A lifelong resident of Southold, Bob was owner of Rothman’s Department Store, one of the last “mom and pop” stores, founded by his father and mother, David and Ruth Rothman, and still in business after 93 years. A well-recognized figure in the community, he was known for his interest in others, his curiosity about life and his ever-present baseball cap.

A proud graduate of Southold High School and Syracuse University, he was a private pilot, avid sailor and HAM radio operator. He joined the Southold Fire Department at age 16 and had been a member for 68 years. He was a member of the North Fork Lions Club and served as treasurer on the board of Southold Free Library, past commodore of Southold Junior and Senior Yacht Club and on the board of trustees of Congregation Tifereth Israel in Greenport. His passing leaves a void in his family’s hearts as well as in the community.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Dec. 18, at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold, Rabbi Myron Fenster presiding. Interment was at the Presbyterian church cemetery in Southold.

Contributions may be made in his name to Congregation Tifereth Israel, Southold Free Library or Eastern Long Island Hospital.

This is a paid notice.