“Big Bob” was truly a giant presence. He earned great success and respect in business yet was proudest of his work with scholarship funds for high school and college students through foundations set up in his daughter’s memory
Bob was born and raised in Forest Hills, attended LaSalle Military Academy in Oakdale, and graduated from Manhattan College with a BS in Electrical Engineering. Manhattan College remained important in his life as he served for many years as a trustee, eventually being granted an honorary doctorate. Bob served in the Air Force in Newfoundland. He received an MBA from NYU. Bob is survived by Betty, his wife of 56 years, and four children, Elizabeth, Robert Jr, Paul and Michelle and seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Jeannie.
Bob spent his career in communications and finance, starting at Bell Labs, becoming a partner at Salomon Brothers, then Vice-President of Continental Telephone, before founding his own telecommunications consulting firm, Robert E. La Blanc Associates. He served as a Director of many public companies and philanthropic organizations such as the Scholarship Fund for Inner City Children and Ronald McDonald House.
Bob loved music and singing in choirs. He was a voracious reader and had a particular interest in Civil War and WWII history.
Even in the midst of debilitating illness, he was still Bob – smiling and singing and asking what he could do for you. He was, above all, the greatest husband, father, grandfather and friend anyone could be lucky enough to have.
The wake will be held at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel at 1076 Madison Ave 980 Park Ave. at 10 AM on Wednesday.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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