Dr. Robert S. Gertler

We are sad to share that Dr. Robert Stephen Gertler (AKA: Robert, Bob, Dr. Gertler, “Doc” and Dad). 75, of Coram, NY passed away at Mather Hospital late Tuesday night, August 1st, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife (Jessie) and three sons (Ian, Shawn and Darren).

Robert was born on February 24th, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Sheldon and Ruth (Feldstein) Gertler. He grew up with them and his three younger siblings (Diane Kaye, Jo-Ann Gertler and Brian Gertler) in the same apartment on Brigham Street over many years, which also became memories for the many children and happenings that followed in the family. This area was also where he met his high school sweetheart Jessie Marilyn Kaufman (Gertler), who lived across the street in the next building and would become his wife and lifetime partner in June 1970, the catalyst for the wonderful life they built together. From milestones to challenges, they were always at each other’s side.

Robert graduated from Sheepshead Bay High School in Brooklyn in 1965. After three years of studying to become a Chemical Engineer at Brooklyn College, he changed his mind and decided to pursue a professional career in Optometry. He graduated from Brooklyn College in 1969. After Jessie graduated from Hunter College the following year, they were married in June 1970 and moved to Chicago. He graduated from the Illinois School of Optometry in 1973. Robert and Jessie then moved back to Brooklyn for both family losses and the arrival of their first son.

After working as an Optometrist for a few years. a business associate asked him to move out to Long Island to run a new location for Vision World. This was soon after the arrival of their second son, so they built a house that has become home base for all that would follow in their lives. Vision World would then move to Centereach, where Robert ran and then bought the business-establishing his presence as a trusted member of the community for decades. During these early years, Robert and Jessie had their youngest son. His career was a passion, where he instilled ethics and trust in all he did-even as his boys went to work with at different points while growing up. He worked until a few short weeks ago, in which colleagues, industry associates and patients have been devastated by his sudden sickness and death.

Robert’s commitment to family was always a priority. As noted, he was an incredibly devoted husband to Jessie. He was a proud and dedicated father to Ian Scott Gertler (and Jennifer), Shawn Michael Gertler (and Nilda), and Darren Matthew Gertler (and Yvette). Robert enjoyed every moment with his five grandchildren- Jonathan, Andrew, Dean, Troy and Charlotte. as highlighted, Robert is survived by his three younger siblings…as well as many nieces, nephews and in-laws who loved him dearly.

Aside from his family and work passions, Robert embraced technology and had as many new devices delivered from Amazon each week (to both the house and office) as his long time enthusiasm for watches and pocket knives. Perhaps the other significant and notable element was his ongoing obsession for a perfectly green and manicured lawn, which his children remember at an early age.

His family, friends and colleagues already miss Robert dearly. For those wishing to pay their respects, services will be held at Moloney’s Port Jefferson Station Funeral Home on Monday August 7th, 2023 at 9:30am ET. The burial will follow at Washington Memorial Park Cemetery.