Robert (Bob) Ornstein, of Sun City Center, FL, born on May 1, 1937 in New York, NY, to the late Betty Ingerman Ornstein and the late Joseph Ornstein, passed away at age 79 on November 9, 2016 at Tampa General Hospital.
Robert grew up in the Bronx, NY, graduated from Staples High School in Westport, CT in 1955, and attended Rutgers University in 1956 and University of Bridgeport in 1960. Robert completed his tour of duty with the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960, was stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage when Alaska became the 49th state of the Union, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal.
Robert also served proudly in the USAF Reserves from 1960 to 1962 while working as an electrical engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, CT, took Linda Ann Tobias of Bridgeport, CT to be his bride in 1961, and was deployed to West Berlin, Germany during the Berlin Crisis. They returned to the USA to live in Riverdale, NY, settled down in Norwalk, CT, and moved to Fairfield, CT.
Robert joined Joseph Ornstein & Co. in Manhattan,NY as a diamond wholesaler until retiring from the family business in 2003 before relocating to Florida in 2006. Robert enjoyed cigars, fishing, rebuilding cars, southern hospitality, and quality time with good friends.
Robert was survived by his wife of 55 years Linda Ornstein, daughter Deborah Lievore (Gilson), son Jason Ornstein (Ruth Ann), brother Stuart Ornstein (Wendy), beloved grandchildren, and extended family.
A military honors service was held December 9, 2016 at the South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449 followed by a private celebration of life within Palm Beach County, FL.
Donations are encouraged in memory of Robert Ornstein to our Disabled American Veterans, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076, 877-426-2838, www.dav.org