Robert Michael Schack

Born in Brooklyn NY in 1938 to Frances and Louis Schack, Bob is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 57 years, Susan (Sachs), his adoring children and grandchildren Elizabeth Schack Rabban, Tali and Maya Rabban, Barbara (Schack) and Brian Flumen, Eila, Jesse, and Miranda Flumen, and his sister Margie Yanks.

After earning a BA in Philosophy from Colgate University and a JD and MBA from Columbia University, he proudly served as a Navy JAG officer during the Vietnam war and continued to do reserve duty for a number of years. In the private sector, he held leadership roles at AMF in Alexandria, VA and at prominent law firms such as Wald, Harkrader and Ross in Washington DC and Kronish, Lieb, Wiener and Hellman in NY, from which he retired in 2002. Nationally known for his expertise in law practice management, Bob was instrumental in building that section of the American Bar Association, spoke widely on the subject, and was a respected and friendly source for legal colleagues throughout the country.

Anyone who knew Bob knew he was a warm, brilliant, loyal and civic-minded person who actively participated in communal life whenever possible. From his proud military service to volunteering whenever asked, Bob was committed to effecting positive change. As a young father in Bethesda, MD he served on the Bethesda Fire Board and participated with his wife Susan on several local committees and civic groups that advocated for safety and improvement in the community. Upon the family’s move to Scarsdale, NY, he served on the town council and as President and board member for the Jewish Community Center of Harrison where he became a regular at services, book clubs and Torah study sessions.

Most of all, Bob was a devoted, kind, funny and loving husband, father and friend. His insatiable curiosity about the workings of the universe, the natural world and the human mind made him a lifelong learner (and phenomenal teacher to his family and friends).

A voracious reader, Bob was always enjoying books on his favorite subjects: physics, math, language, philosophy and technology, which he would love to discuss during Shabbat dinners with the family and visits with his grandchildren. His ability to explain even the most complicated topics and answer every question with clarity and excitement inspired everyone who knew him, none more than his children and grandchildren. He also shared his incredible love and knowledge of music, particularly classical, which he shared with his wife Susan. The classical radio stations at home and in the car were on more often than not, and he collected hundreds of recordings to which he listened every day. He and his family were regulars at concerts at the Kennedy Center in DC and Lincoln Center in NY, and he and Susan often made a point to seek out interesting concerts wherever they were.

Somehow, between working, volunteering and constant reading, Bob found endless hours to teach or invent games to play with his children and grandchildren. From puzzles and poker to board games and bedtime “quizzes” to softball, swimming and cycling and all sorts of outdoor activities (including his large, beautiful organic vegetable garden), Bob was the most fun dad and grandfather in the world. He was always game for pretend adventures while hiking through the woods or building wild structures with blocks or snow. He was a born storyteller. Whether sharing anecdotes from his interesting life experiences or making up fantastic tales to entertain his children, his audience was never disappointed.

He was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, brother, uncle and friend and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Bob always gave generously and regularly to a wide variety of causes. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.