Robert John Luther

Robert (Bob) John Luther (born 6-18-1935; died 7-20-2026) was the first son of Raymond Dudley Luther and Anne Brawn Kerr, born in West Falls, NY. He had a brother (John) and sister Margaret). Unfortunately, Robert lost his father to lung cancer at age 10. His mother remarried John Benz in 1949, and he had a half-brother, Johnny Benz. His parents and siblings have all passed away prior to Bob.

Bob started the clarinet in the 7th grade and continued through High School, studying at the Julliard School with Daniel Bonade (commuting to NYC on his own). During his senior year, he lived with his teacher, Wayne Camp, and graduated from Bayshore HS in June 1953. He started at Ithaca College in the fall of 1953 and left to join the USA Air Force Band from 1955 to 1959. He traveled the world, played concerts in the Republic of China (Taiwan) for Chiang Kai-shek, and performed in Japan, Singapore, Ghana, and Vietnam. He returned to Ithaca College and received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education in January 1961 and a Master of Science in Music Education in June 1962. This is where he met his wife (Frances – known as Fran), and they got married on their graduation day, June 2, 1962. Bob also received a Master of Music and a Master of Education (Elementary Education) from Stony Brook University. In addition, Bob taught investment courses at SUNY Stony Brook University.

Bob and Fran were both clarinetists and were married for 63 ½ years. They both taught band in Long Island Public Schools. Bob taught solely for the Deer Park School District and spent 30 years at Deer Park HS and 2 years at JFK Intermediate School. During this time, his bands were selected to perform at the NYSSMA All-State Festival in 1964 with his Clarinet Choir, in 1966 with his Concert Band, and in 1998 with his JFK Intermediate Band. He holds the record for NYSSMA Band Scores, achieving 5 Grade 6 selections and 100 perfect scores over the 5 years it was offered. His Marching Band played for the Jets halftime show at Shea Stadium as well as the Cosmos Soccer Team at Giant Stadium. Bob loved teaching students in school and his private Students (taught privately for 62 years). Bob and Fran were enormously proud members of the Atlantic Winds Band.

Bob and Fran had two daughters, Michele Ann Kucic and Debbie Lynne Ferrante. Michele followed in her parents’ footsteps and taught on Long Island at Sayville MS and Syosset HS for 20 years. Michele also taught in Westchester County for one year. Michele is currently teaching in Spotsylvania at Chancellor HS and Chancellor MS. Michele has three children, Erica, Andrew, and Joseph Jr. Debbie was a wonderful daughter, and she became a construction project manager (after her other careers as a secretary and a hairstylist) until she lost her battle with cancer. She left four amazing children: Eric Parker, Amanda Ferrante, Grace Ferrante, and Jamie Ferrante. Bob also has three great-grandchildren with Erica, who had William Peter; Eric, who had Cooper; and Anny, who had Decker.

Bob has several long-time best friends: Ron Gerry, Louis Marinaccio, and Charles Brockner. In addition, he had a remarkable close, trusting relationship with his son-in-law Joe Kucic over the last two years.

Bob has resided with Michele and Joseph Kucic in Fredericksburg, VA, for the past two years and reached his 91st birthday just a few weeks ago. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and mentor to many. He will be forever in our hearts. We believe he is with his wife, daughter, mother, father, sister, brothers, and his extended family and friends in Heaven.

Visitation will be held at O. B. Davis Funeral Homes, 4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776, on July 25, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and on July 26, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm; visitation will also be held at O. B. Davis Funeral Homes, 4839 Nesconset Hwy, Port Jefferson Station, New York 11776, on July 26, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St James R.C. Church, 429 NY-25A, East Setauket, New York 11733, on July 27, 2026, at 9:30 am, followed by a Committal Service & Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 3442 Route 112, Coram, New York 11727, on July 27, 2026.