Robert Lewis Protzmann

Robert Lewis Protzmann (“Bob”) grew up in Queens Village, NY with his parents Harry Albert Protzmann and Helen Lewis Dudgeon, his older brother Richard and younger sister Carole (Johnson). Bob attended the University of Pennsylvania where he studied chemical engineering.

After college, Bob worked as a research chemist in NYC. He met his wife Linda Rapolla at the Christmas party for the company where they both worked. They married on November 11, 1972 and raised two daughters in New City: Lisa, a Library Media Specialist, and Laura, an attorney. Bob continued to work as a research chemist in Dobbs Ferry, NY and holds multiple US patents. He retired from AkzoNobel (formerly Stauffer Chemical) after 35+ years!

In his free time, Bob was an avid reader and gardener. He curated beautiful flower beds around his home and could name most trees, flowers and birds. He loved history and solving puzzles. When his aunt asked him to look into their family history, it ignited a lifelong passion for genealogy. He traced his roots back to 1650 Dutch New York City and beyond. He loved to share what he learned and met many “cousins” over the years. He contributed to books and articles on family histories and became an active member of the Rockland Historical Society and Rockland Genealogical Society.

Bob also loved to travel and took many family road trips over the years full of wonderful memories. He and Linda traveled to all 50 states plus trips to Canada, Europe and Australia as a family. But one of his greatest joys was his two granddaughters, Zoey (16) and Emma (13). “Bob Bob” loved to play, read books, do puzzles and even let the girls do his hair! He enjoyed family trips to Hershey and Disney and attended every recital and performance for as long as he was able.

Bob leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Linda, daughters Lisa (Kip) and Laura, granddaughters Zoey and Emma and Blackie the cat. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Richard and his sister Carole. His father and sister also suffered from Parkinson’s.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 15 from 3-7pm. The funeral will be Monday, March 16 at Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington, NY at 12pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory can be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation,The Parkinson’s Foundation, and Joe Raso Hospice Residence through United Hospice.