Obituary of Robert W. Symmons

Longtime Manhasset Realtor Bob Symmons Passes Away

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert William Symmons, Sr., of Manhasset, NY, on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the age of 82. He was born on June 3, 1940, to Louise May (Stengel) and William Robert Symmons in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Bushwick High School, where he met the love of his life, Linda Conway.

They were married on June 29, 1963, and the young couple set out on their adventure. Bob worked hard as a young man in operation logistics for the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company and Rheingold Brewing Company. When his childhood and life-long friend Dr. Anthony W. Buzzitta invited the couple to visit the town where he established his dental practice, it sparked the dream of moving to the suburbs to raise their growing family. In 1970, they purchased their home in Manhasset. Bob quickly shifted gears when the breweries announced plans to move out of state, and he enrolled in the local university now known as LIU Post Brookville. During this time, Bob launched his real estate sales and appraisals career, working for firms such as Brothman's, followed by E. L. Dominge Real Estate on Plandome Road, where he was a licensed broker and became the office manager. He made fast friends in the business and eventually became the owner of the Dominge agency. Over the years, Bob's extensive knowledge of the market and real estate sales on the North Shore of Long Island became his signature in the business. Coupled with his gentleman's handshake, Bob helped generations of families settle in the area and call their new house a home.

When it came to sports, football was second on his list of favorites. Bob was a diehard baseball fan and could answer any trivia question regarding the Brooklyn Dodgers and his all-time number-one New York Yankees. Bob was an avid fisherman, bicyclist, and car enthusiast in his spare time. When he wasn't in the office or at an inspection, he could be found enjoying a good book, reading the NY Times, taking bike rides, walking/running through town or at the high school track, washing/waxing his cars, casting his line for striped bass off Montauk, and most importantly, spending time with his beloved family. He especially enjoyed driving and looked for beautiful days to take day trips with Linda at his side.

Bob was active in the community, including serving on the executive board of the Manhasset Youth Council and as a board member of the Friends of the Manhasset Public Library (MPL). He initiated a scholarship for high school students who thrived in literature as part of his work

with the MPL. Bob also served as president of the Manhasset Real Estate Board. He volunteered for various charitable events, including those hosted by North Shore Hospital and St. Francis Hospital, and most recently participated in Wreaths Across America. Bob was part of the Bravehearts of St. Francis Hospital for over twelve years and enjoyed their summer fishing trip this past August, proudly catching the largest fish. He took pride in sharing his fishing expeditions with his family and friends, who were game to accept the invitation for a glorious day on the ocean.

His quiet personality, sincerity, and thoughtful approach to closing a deal were traits that his clients came to know and love about Bob over the years. He left an indelible mark on hundreds of clients who trusted in his abilities and extensive knowledge to secure their perfect homes. The joy continued as he annually visited the homes of clients, then the homes of their children and grandchildren on Christmas Eve as Santa Claus and brought wonder and merriment to the hearts of all ages. His faith, hope, and strength gave him the grit and determination to conquer a rare, aggressive cancer that left him changed, yet he strived to lead his family through the battle. Bob made the best of each challenge, enabling him to enjoy more time with those he loved.

Bob is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 60 years, Linda; three children, Susan Symmons, Eileen Symmons-Ippolito (Rosario), and Robert William Symmons, Jr. (Dana), along with three grandchildren, Riley, Griffin, and Vivian as well as granddogs Breezy, Madison, Edison, and Tipperary whom he adored and cherished. He also leaves behind numerous extended family members and friends with whom he spent wonderful years celebrating many holidays and life events.

In lieu of flowers, the Symmons Family has established a Memorial Literary Scholarship for St. Mary's Elementary and High School students who demonstrate their love of literature, reading, and writing. Contributions may be gifted online https://tinyurl.com/RWSMemorialScholarship or by check and mail to the Schools of Saint Mary, Att: RWS Scholarship, 1300 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, NY 11030.