Obituary of Robert M Kushnir

Robert Michael Kushnir, of Yonkers, passed away on April 9, 2021 at the age of 83. He was born on June 16, 1937 in Queens, New York to Andrew and Anna Kushnir. He was raised in Queens by his parents and grandparents, Mike and Nan Dynia. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1955. As a young man, Robert served in the Army National Guard alongside his brother. He was a city stick ball player, known as a "three sewer man," and a talented roller hockey player, as well. On August 29, 1964, Robert married the love of his life, Janet Kushnir, at Sacred Heart Church in Yonkers. They met at Otis Elevator. She was a secretary and he worked as a draftsman. Afterwards, he worked at Kings Electronics as an electrical engineer in Tuckahoe, NY. In 2001, at the age of 62, Robert received his Masters Degree in Education from Mercy College. He spent twenty years as a high school substitute teacher in the Yonkers Public Schools. His lifelong dream was always to become a teacher. He had a profound impact on the young people he taught. No matter where he went in Yonkers, students always recognized "Mr. Kushnir" and often thanked him for the help and guidance he gave them. Robert was predeceased by his wife, Janet (Madden) Kushnir, in 2008. He is survived by his three children, Michael (Janette) Kushnir and Kevin Kushnir of Yonkers and Kelly (Peter) Vulpone of Hastings on Hudson. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Kushnir, in 2017 and his brother in law, Frank Madden, in 2021. He is survived by his grandchildren who were his greatest joy and gave him many of his happiest memories: Emily and Elizabeth Kushnir and Kylie, Ryan, and Katie Vulpone. Bob was an avid sports fan. He loved the New York Rangers and the New York Mets. He even rooted for the New York Yankees. He was at two memorable sporting events. He was in attendance at the November 1, 1959 NY Rangers games against the Montreal Canadiens when goaltender Jacques Plante was hit in the face and returned to the game wearing the first ever goalie mask! He was also sitting behind home plate at Yankee Stadium when Roger Maris hit his 61st home run on October 1, 1961. He rarely missed a sports game. He loved listening to Frank Sinatra, watching old movies, especially westerns and war movies, and always, always enjoyed a good meal. Bob was a man of many words. He had a story for everyone he met and for every occasion. He could spend hours talking. He liked to give advice and was a genuinely funny and kind person. Anyone who ever met him walked away with a story to tell. Probably more than one! He was also a family man. He loved his two sons, his daughter, his daughter in law and his son in law. He always looked out for his brother in law since his wife's passing. But nobody touched his heart like his grandkids. He came to all of their school and sporting events. He would give rides to school and camp and babysit when asked! Papa Bob was always at the ice cream truck after camp or ready to take the kids to McDonalds. He said it was a honor to be their grandfather. He was so proud to have such wonderful grandchildren and they loved him very much. There aren't adequate words to describe how much Bob is going to be missed by his family and friends. Life, as we know it, will no longer be the same without Bob Kushnir in it. His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, the many lives he touched and the many stories he told. There isn't a day that goes by that he won't be remembered. He was one of the good guys, "an honest man in a dishonest world." So, as Bob would say, "That's the story, Jerry!"And until we meet again, fly high, Dad! Enjoy the Coke and Nathan's hot dogs! As famed NY Mets announcer Howie Rose would say, "Put it in the books!" "Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime, and, departing, leave behind us, footprints on the sands of time." ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow