Robert M Anderson

Robert M. Anderson, 94, loved his various “lives”— his boyhood with his siblings, schoolmates, and teachers who inspired him to pursue higher education; his work as a first-rate carpenter; and his scholarship, professorship, and political activism.

Bob always said that from his earliest years, he had two goals: to become a professor and to write a book. He achieved both of those goals through hard work and determination. He graduated from high school early so that he could join the US Army to take advantage of the GI Bill of Rights, which would allow him to attend college tuition free. After serving in Occupied Japan, he returned home and became a first-class carpenter and homebuilder while attending college at night. After graduating from Wagner College, he continued his studies at Columbia University, earning a master’s degree and, eventually, a doctoral degree in History. He was the author of Vision of the Disinherited: The Making of American Pentecostalism, a Marxist approach toward the social dynamics of the phenomenon of Pentecostalism.

Bob was a Professor of History at Wagner College for 50 years, during which he served as chairman of the department. He was involved in student activism during the Vietnam War, proudly claiming that the FBI had a file on him in Washington.

With his wife of 20 years, Ann Ruzycka Anderson, he loved traveling, going to the ballet and opera, attending historical conventions and visiting historical sites, seeing Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones multiple times, sipping ice-cold martinis, and spending time at their cabin enjoying the peace and solitude.

He shared his home with many beloved cats over the years, too.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a sister, Eleanor Maren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers Eugene, Alvin, Norman, and Donald.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harmonfuneralhome.net for the Anderson family.