Robert illustrated  and  wrote funny charming books- and had a smile that matched them. He was uniquely kind.

Our son discovered the Miss Mallard series a couple of years ago and has been obsessed ever since. He sent a colored picture into an art contest in 2020 during the height of the pandemic and Mr. Quackenbush graciously responded and sent us a personalized message and a book. My son was absolutely over the moon about it. He told anyone who would listen. We have now scoured and searched and found almost every Miss Mallard in existence. That small gesture was so impactful and we are so appreciative for it. My son and I were talking about mailing Mr. Quackenbush a funny duck joke when my husband informed us of his passing. 

We are sorry to hear of Mr. Quackenbush’s passing. He sounds like an extraordinary person. We will keep his spirit alive by reading, reading, reading all of his books. The joke was: “Why do ducks make good detectives?” A: “Because they are always quacking the case!”

I met Robert in my Late 20’s and became a watercolor student of his on 78th street. I bought some of his prints and a watercolor for a gift to my sister. I then moved to Texas and every time I visited NYC I would visit with him for a couple hours. My Last visit with him was in 2018 my last visit to NYC , I was already retired living in Georgia and he lived to hear what I was doing with my art, I am now a jeweler and an Enamelist. During that fist I gave him some a cardinal tree ornament I made and as always he was delighted. I am also a collector of his work I have 6 pieces of his works, he told me some of them were rare and to hold on to them. My last piece was a painting, I always wanted one, it is a scene of Florence Italy. Robert was a gem, a gentle soul, he was a fabulous teacher and most of all a wonderful friend, I consider myself lucky to know him.  It is 7 months since his passing and I just found out and I am heartbroken I will never have a chance to see my friend again . 

Too Many Lollipops was my childhood favorite book. 20 years ago I emailed Robert asking where I could find it because i wanted to read it to my twin boys. He did not know where since it had been out of production but he did send me several signed books along with the coloring book of Too Many Lollipops. That was really special to me. I have followed him often online including today where I sadly learned he had passed. Who knew that 44 years ago he would still have an impact on me today. Special man indeed.  

Mr. Quackenbush was delightful to our family years ago in 2007 during a vacation to New York City!  Gracious, interested in our two daughters, personable!  Our visit with him at his studio has been and will always be a favored memory of that vacation!

I went to the Studio on 11th Street with Piet when I was a kid. He was quite a bit younger than I.  I remember the gentle, soft spoken presence of Robert and Margery at the school. Of course we had, and read Roberts books at the school, and it was something of a Marvel knowing he had written and illustrated them.  He and his books are in some way part of the fabric of my life. Warm wishes and condolences to Margery, Piet and the rest of the family. 

It was my honor and joy be Bob's editor on the Henry the Duck  and Sherlock Chick series for Parents Magazine's Book Club.  Actually, there wasn't much "editing" involved because Bob was such a pro.   He was kind, funny, gracious, and generously used his talents to delight and enrich children's lives.  My deepest condolences to all the family he loved so dearly. 

I am so sorry for your loss.  May you find comfort in sweet memories of Robert.

My wife attended Robert's writer workshops, and Robert was a great  inspiration and encouragement to her.  My  grandson, Joey, 
 had art lessons with Robert and traded letters with Robert that we will always treasure.  We made it a tradition to dine with Robert and Margery  when we made our annual  trips to New York.  La Goulue, the Leopard at  Des Artistes and the great  little German restaurant near their apartment come to mind.  Robert will always be in our hearts, and we wish the best to Margery and the family.  We will definitely be  in touch when we are in New York.  
John R Vermillion 

I didn't know Robert well, but we did share two summers in Los Angeles studying at the California Graduate Institute almost fifty years ago.  I wanted to write this note to his family because I remember my interactions with Robert with such fondness.  I admire his curiosity, his essential kindness, and the generosity with which he always treated me and everyone in our group.  He touch my life only briefly, but he left me enriched.  If a Dutch-American family  will allow me an untranslatable word from another culture, Robert was a mensch.  

I have been blessed to have had Robert in my life for over 68 years.  He was the most wonderful brother in law ever!   He is leaving a vacant spot in all our lives!  My heart goes out to Margery, Piet, Teresa, Aiden and Emma.
                    

My Cousin Bob was a blessing to me and to my mother, Bob's Aunt Marion.  It was with all my love for Bob that I "returned" the three beautiful watercolors of Venice he painted for my mother.  There are too many wonderful, funny, loving memories of my Quackenbush family to share here, so I keep them in my heart, with my love for Cousin Bob. 

I am sending my heartfelt condolences to Margery and her family.

always admired and will be missed

in our prayers,

Very Rev. Chorbishop Anthony DeLuca, LP
and Dr. Andrea DeLuca LP

I'm sending all of my best wishes and deepest condolences to Margery and the entire family. Judy Levitz

Robert

There were many memories and many years. You will be missed.

Natalie Z Riccio

I knew Robert like people know a distant family member, but me and him laughed once, we are always at the same occasions. I had the feeling he liked my big obnoxious Irish family. 

Anyway, was not the first time we met, but he asked me about when I was in college and told him about some books I read, plus one of my favorite boring books on the history of America. I was stunned he knew the exact book and had read it. After that, at every family occasion we caught up but I treated him with deference which he did not like. I will miss him. He was a gentleman. 

I met Robert through Margery, who befriended my father Anil at cardiac rehab.  He was always gracious, gentle, and had a twinkle in his eye.  Our boys love his illustrations, and we enjoyed a visit to his studio where we discovered a lovely painting from our wedding day!  Sending our condolences for your loss.   

Much love,
Naina & Anil 

Uncle Robert was a wonderful man- wise, kind, talented and funny.  Out all of our family gatherings at Harvey Avenue, it was always a special treat when Aunt Margie, Uncle Robert and Piet would come down from New York.  All of my cousins, my brother and sister and I would sit in the living room and read his amazing books, cover to cover, again and again.  Clementine and Old Mac Donald and all of the other childhood songs.  We loved them all.  My heartfelt condolences to all of you.

On Thanksgiving several years ago , after arriving, with my daughter Luanne, at Piet's & Teresa's house in Dobbs Ferry ..
I observed Mr. Quackenbush at the stove with the drippings
making the gravy..It was the best darn gravy I ever had! 

One of the pleasure's of walking around Piet & Teresa'a house
is the extraordinary artwork created by Mr. Quackenbush over 
the years..if you look closely you'll see in all the paintings the
love Mr. Quckenbush had for Piet & Teresa & Aiden & Emma!
A talented and very special man! 

RIP! Mr. Quackenbush....Patrick Curley

My deepest  sympathy  to Margery  & the entire family at this time of loss. 

We live next door and Robert was the ultimate gentleman loved by everyone in our building but even more so on our floor.  We will miss him dearly.  ❤️🙏

I had the pleasure of first meeting Robert as a result of being friends with Margery at NAAP. Robert had a wonderful smile, keen sense of humor, and an inviting presence.   An erudite and talented author, Robert could regale you with fascinating stories of his experiences. I was fortunate to know Robert as a result editing the journal, Issues in Psychoanalytic Psychology for the Washington Square Institute. We were grateful to Robert for allowing us to publish his reviews of films with interesting psychological themes. He helped me to become a better editor. Always gracious and kind, I will miss him dearly. His love for Margery was deep and endless. Godspeed Robert. Rest in Peace. 

I studied ballet in NYC.  My cousin, Robert Quakenbush picked me up for my classes and took me to the Worlds Fair in NYC.  

I remember Robert for his art, his humor, his books, and for his kind soul.

I remember Robert as a dignified and hugely talented author & artist. My sons, and now my granddaughter, loves his Miss Mallard Mystery books.
Joan Cela

I worked with Robert for many years on his website: he always knew what he wanted and was always creatively writing and illustrating children's books, as well as painting beautiful works of art.  Robert was an uncompromising artist, a storyteller, and an inspiration to children around the world for over 60 years or more.
I am saddened to hear that Robert Quackenbush has left us.....though his writings, illustrations, and stories and his 'joix de vivre' will live on.

My sincere condolences and heartfelt sentiments to all of his family and extended family. 

Alan C  Geoghegan
Columbia South Carolina

OBITUARY

Dr. Robert Mead Quackenbush

July 23, 1929 – May 17, 2021

Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel

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Celebration of the Life of Robert Quackenbush- Funeral Service