By the Family

Mar. 7, 2018:  Robert William Deichert of East Hampton and Bronxville died peacefully on March 1 at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx.

Bob was born on November 30, 1925, in Union City, NJ, to William Deichert and the former Edna Hons. He grew up in Jersey City and spent summers with his grandmother in Callicoon, NY, where his parents met.

He was valedictorian of his eighth-grade class, enjoyed time as a Boy Scout, and was active in the Lutheran Church, where he even considered becoming a priest. Highlights of his youth included delivering telegrams by bicycle in Jersey City where he had the chance to deliver one to Frank Sinatra.

Bob served in the US Navy at the end of WWII but used to say the only battle he was in was on Market Street in San Francisco on VJ Day. Bob attended Pratt Institute, graduating in 1948, and continued to Stevens Institute of Technology, where he earned a master's degree in electrical engineering in 1950.

After teaching at both Pratt and Stevens for a couple of years, he joined Allen B. DuMont Laboratories, where he earned one of his three patents for the Electronicam. The Electonicam was used for the filming of The Honeymooners, so he was required to be on the set for all filmings. He had fond memories of being on the set! He joined Philips Electronic Instruments in 1960 and worked there until 1987.

Bob met his wife, Beverly, via the CFO’s office of North American Philips. It was through Beverly that he built his relationship with East Hampton; he took up sailing, fishing, and clamming. He still kept his roots to Callicoon, though, and built two houses there. Among his favorite hobbies were beekeeping and deer hunting with the Hillside Hunting Club.

Bob went on to have a long successful executive career at Philips Electronic Instruments. He traveled the world, closing deals in Saudi Arabia, Japan, and China, to name a few. While living in Bronxville, he was active on the vestry of Christ Church.

After retiring from Philips, Bob returned to his teaching roots and taught business classes at Fairfield University. He continued to teach until retiring in 1994 to East Hampton with his wife, Beverly. In East Hampton, Bob actively served on the board of East End Hospice for 15 years as well at SCORE, where he enjoyed his Tuesday and Wednesday Clubs. He was also a faithful volunteer at the LVIS Summer Fair as well as at St. Luke's.

Bob is survived by his wife, Beverly, his daughter, Wendy Deichert Tyra, his son, Robert William Deichert, Jr., and his six grandchildren, who brought him immense pride.  

The Deichert family would like to extend their gratitude to the Calvary Hospital for all the kindness and loving care he received during his final days.

A memorial service will be held on March 18 at 2:00 pm at Christ Church in Bronxville.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to donate, memorial donations have been suggested to Calvary Hospital, 1740 Eastchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 or to your favorite charity.