Robert T. Abshire
June 1, 1938 ~ December 30, 2025
Born in:
Oceanside, NY
Resided in:
East Meadow , NY
Robert Troy Abshire “Bob”
June 1, 1938 – December 30, 2025
Robert Troy Abshire, affectionately known as Bob or “Robby” to his sisters, was born June 1, 1938, in Hempstead, NY, the eldest son of Troy Wetsel Abshire and Isabelle Grace Abshire (née Ortlieb). He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 48 years, Elizabeth Ann “Betty Ann” Abshire (née Holmes), and siblings Richard and Catherine. He is survived by his sisters Joan (Arthur) and Dorothy, who fondly recall the playful torment of their older brother — stories that still bring laughter over 70 years later. Bob proudly served in the United States Marine Corps before embarking on a distinguished career in public service. He worked at the United States Postal Service and rose to the position of Assistant Regional Director at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A devoted father and grandfather, Bob is survived by his children Robert A. (Jennifer), William F. (Briton), and Barbara C. (Andrew), as well as his proud grandchildren Bobby, Katelynn, Mia, Natalie, and Leyna. Bob raised his family in East Meadow, where he was actively involved in the community. He served as Tournament Director for the East Meadow Soccer Club and coached CYO basketball and youth league lacrosse. A lifelong basketball enthusiast, having played in his youth, he maintained a passion for the sport throughout his life. An avid and voracious reader, Bob consumed several books a month across a broad range of subjects. In his later years, he delighted in sharing his knowledge with his grandchildren through detailed, thoughtful texts filled with a blend of humor and insight — covering everything from science and math to life’s many lessons. Bob’s legacy of love, learning, and community spirit will be cherished by all who knew him. In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity or organization of your choice.
Services
Visitation: Sunday, January 4, 2026 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Branch Funeral Home of Commack
2115 Jericho Turnpike
Commack, NY 11725
When I was 2 you taught me how to ride a bicycle without training wheels. Who knows how many times I crashed. I was flying around the block in no time.
When I was 3 you’d take me to the track and let me run nonstop. On Saturday mornings me, Billy, and Bobby would climb in between you and mom to push you out of bed. It took a few tries, then triumph!
When I was 11 you brought us to get our dog Sheba. Summer vacations to Lake George and learning how to water ski. Too many memories to list and I will choose to remember the good ones now. I hope you are reunited with mom, grandma, Uncle Richie, and Aunt Cathy. Maybe Bruno & Sheba too. Rest in peace dad. 🕊️
We are so sorry for your loss. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Love the Pilate Family
I’m sorry it took so long for me to write something, it took a while for me to really process this especially being so far from it all. My condolences to you all! I will always remember Mr. A as a light at the end of the tunnel. When life got hard and we lost dad he was there and he might not have been blood but he quickly became FAMILY. Thank you for looking after me and my family ,thank you for treating us like we were your own, thank you for believing in me always even when no one else did, thank you for putting me into sports and giving me a life every child should have. Thank you for making me into the person I am today. I would never be where I am if I wasn’t for you. You gave me a mindset that will help me achieve anything I desire and for that I am so grateful. I’m going to miss you but I will hold our memories close and take your lessons with me everywhere I go!