As a former high school student of his, I want to write the impact that  Mr. Lobel (as we would call him) had on us as students. He was a captivating story teller, and would help us understand how the world came to be. It was very logical and clear, which made world history one of my favorite subjects. It was in part thanks to his teaching that I immersed myself in ancient times, but wanted to travel the world and learn from other cultures. It's hard to believe that we took class so many years ago, but the memory still feels like yesterday. He cared deeply about his family and his students - it's quite amazing how he dedicated his time to read our papers every week. 

Now that AI is rising, I am reminded of the book he required us to read in the summer before class began - "Guns, Germs and Steel". Instead of European colonists traveling to exotic countries to take material and spread germs, we see data colonies in those same places. Instead of steel, there's a greater demand for silicon and lithium. Thanks for helping us think critically and compassionately, Mr. Lobel, even as technology is changing the world rapidly.

Hi! 

My name is Fiel Sahir. I was a former student of Mr. Lobel's AP Global class during my Sophomore year of high school at Francis Lewis almost 20 years ago. It is some crazy providence that I happened to be thinking of him this very morning and even more so that I happened to google his name 5 minutes ago only to see this deeply sad news. Sometimes I would get out so late and Mr. Lobel would be working so hard that we would end up taking the Q23 together to Forest Hills. 

The two things I remember most from our classes with him were, "Empires rise and fall." And more importantly, "DON'T PISS OFF THE PEASANTS." And the occasional story about how his lovely wife (who I never had the pleasure of meeting) would play World of Warcraft and our high school minds were boggled that he even knew what that was at the time. 

I was just thinking this morning that I'd like to ask his former colleague Mr. Johnson the English AP if he might be able to put me in touch with Mr. Lobel so I could tell him about the work I'm doing with history and what his classes meant to me. But I am too late and yet right on time. 

I don't know how much 2000 characters is and I would like to write much more. It would mean the world to me if (when the time is right) to be able to somehow get in touch with the family and share some more words of gratitude with you. 

My deepest condolences and may his memory be a blessing (which to me and I'm sure many others, it already has been.) 

Thank you.

Dear Luz, Josh , Adam, Jeff and Family,
Roy was my first friend.  We met in Jackson Heights, Queens 74 years ago.  I remember how excited we would get when we could play together.  In those days 3-year olds could go out in the internal courtyard behind an apartment building and play for hours.  Of course there was the time when we thought it would be fun to throw a toy locomotive out of a 6th story window.  Thank goodness nobody was hurt, except for us as we were sternly disciplined. by Uncle Lou.  When my family moved to Long Island, Roy and I would have sleepovers.  He had started to focus on history, social studies and Asia, and I loved hearing his insights.  His kindness, infectious laugh, and wisdom enriched my life and so many others.  This is a life very well-lived - health challenges and all.  Our thoughts are with you.  Love, Jay and Fran Fischer

OBITUARY

Royden "roy" Lobel

March 5, 1950 – July 2, 2025

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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