Robert C. Larsen

OBITUARY & TRIBUTE TO ROBERT C. LARSEN
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, uncle, friend, and mentor, Robert Larsen (Bob). He passed away suddenly on May 8, 2023, at the age of 63.
To his sisters and family, Bob was deeply loved. He was the rock, the anchor, and the voice of reason. He was always there to offer words of wisdom. His mischievous and playful manner somehow always brought us back together. Bob was quick-witted and had a knack for bringing out the best in everyone he met and was loved by many. He had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He loved to spend his free time chatting on the phone with the people he loved, giving them updates on what was going on in his life and was genuinely interested in what was going on in theirs.

Bob was born and raised on Long Island, New York, where he spent his entire life. He was an avid lover of Harley Davidson motorcycles and was looking forward to his next chapter with his latest obsession, his newly purchased customized 2023 Harley Davidson Street Glide.

Bob was very passionate about health and fitness his entire life. He was a regular at the gym, enjoyed weightlifting, dance, martial arts and loved to play Pickleball with friends & family.

He enjoyed many styles of dance throughout the 80’s and 90’s with New York Express Dance Studio. Bob’s favorite was the Hustle, and his specialty was dancing the Advance Hustle with Lifts. He also enjoyed Ballroom Dancing, where he and his partner competed often, most notably at the Waldorf Astoria.

Bob was a double black belt in Tai-Zen martial arts and opened his first studio, NJ Self Defense, in the 90’s. Sensei Bob taught martial arts to adults and the youth of Long Island for many years, instilling in them the values of discipline, respect, and perseverance. He was a mentor to his students and took great pride in seeing his students succeed.

Bobby enjoyed working on his beautiful home and created a welcoming space. He was especially proud of his amazing lawn, “the nicest in the neighborhood”, according to the neighbors. He took pride in renovating his home with his own hands and with the help of his close friends in the trades. He often helped others fix up their homes, as well, sharing his expertise and knowledge with those around him.

Bob was passionate about his career which started with his uncle as a welder’s apprentice. He went on to spend the next 20 years as a union welder for Local 53 Bakery and Confectionery Union. From there he became a Steamfitter with Local 638 Steamfitters Union where he specialized in x-ray welding for the next 20 years.

To his union brothers and sisters, he was known to be a loyal and stand-up guy who always went by the book. He loved being at work and took great pride in teaching the union traditions to those around him. Bob brought high spirits and positive energy to work every day, even in the face of challenging work ahead. He was always optimistic and had a way of lifting the spirits of those around him. Throughout his career, he worked on some of New York City’s most notable buildings and landmarks, including the Kimmel Building at NYU, the American Express Lounge at JFK Airport, the tallest residential building in the world….The Central Park Tower and the World Trade Freedom Tower. He was also the foreman at the TWA Hotel, where he oversaw the construction of that iconic landmark.

Although he is no longer with us, Bob has left his mark on NYC forever. His contributions to the construction industry and his commitment to his union brothers and sisters will not be forgotten. He was a true professional and a role model to many in his field. Bob’s legacy will live on through the buildings and landmarks he helped construct and the lives he touched throughout his impressive career.

Bob will be deeply missed. His legacy as a kind, generous, and loyal soul will live on in the memories of those he touched throughout his life.

Robert is survived by his sisters Catherine, Susan, Laurie, Ellen, Cindy, his nephew Jeffrey, his niece Taylor, his great-niece Kayla and his longtime love Helga (Lee)

Robert was predeceased by his mother Frieda, his father Robert Sr. and his stepdad Henry.

Gone too soon, but those we love, don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.
Rest in Peace Bob.