Obituary of Robert A. Larsen

Robert A. Larsen (“Bob”) passed away early of the morning of October 20 at Greenwich Hospital at the age of 89. Bob was a 65 year-long resident of Rye, having moved to Rye from Bay Ridge in Brooklyn where he grew up. Bob was born in Greenwich on January 15, 1931 but his family moved to Brooklyn relatively shortly thereafter. Bob’s parents, Harald Larsen and Gudrun Pedersen both immigrated to the U.S. from Norway. Bob attended Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn, and then enlisted in the Marine Corps upon graduation. Bob took great pride in his military service, both for the discipline that it ingrained in him as well as exposing him to a diverse group of people and backgrounds. While Bob didn’t attend college, he felt that the Marine Corps prepared him well for later challenges. After the Marine Corps, Bob worked in various marketing and sales roles for more than 35 years with New York Telephone, NYNEX and AT&T. Bob moved to Rye in the early 50’s where he met his wife Bjorg Gjertrud Juel, who was working as a governess in Greenwich, after having emigrated from Norway. They were married for 51 years until Bjorg passed from cancer in 2006. Over the years Bob engaged in a number of volunteer and community activities including Food Patch, Corporate Angel Network, Retired Executive Network, and as a member of the church council at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Rye Brook. Both Bob and Bjorg volunteered at United Hospital in Port Chester prior to its closing. After Bjorg’s passing in 2006, Bob amassed more than 7000 hours of time volunteering at Greenwich Hospital. Bob loved the outdoors, especially fishing, enjoyed travel, but most importantly loved being around family and friends. He had a dry sense of humor and loved to hear others laugh. He will be greatly missed by all. Bob is predeceased by his loving wife Bjorg and his son Eric. He is survived by his son Paul and wife Lisa of Rye, and adoring grandchildren Kerry Camarra and husband Bill, Jamie Larsen, and Adam Larsen. Visitation will be held at Graham Funeral Home in Rye on Thursday October 22 from 4-7 PM followed by a Prayer Service. Interment to be held on Friday October 23 at Greenwood Union Cemetery in Rye at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations to Greenwich Hospital or to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center would be greatly appreciated.