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Post a reply || Back to Message Board Robert "Bob" Ushman - Class of 1942
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Robert "Bob" Ushman - NFA 1942 of Newburgh, New York - On August 9, Robert
"Bob" Ushman passed away unexpectedly at the age of 92 after living a full and
vibrant life. Bob was loved by his family: his son Wayne Ushman (now
ofNorthborough, Massachusetts), his daughter-in-law Suzan and his two grandsons,
Benjamin and Dov. He was predeceased 11 years ago by his wife, Jeannette Gordon
Ushman with whom he shared a loving marriage, nurtured their family and worked
side by side at Ushman True Value in Cornwall. After his wife's death, he
developed a significant and caring relationship with Carole Seneca of Newburgh.
Both his immediate and extended family and large circle of friends will miss Bob
— his intelligence, his humor and warmth. Bob was the youngest son of Louis and
Esther Ushman. Growing up in Newburgh, he attended Newburgh Free Academy where
he graduated as valedictorian. He went on to Clarkson University where he earned
a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering and continued his postgraduate
studies at John Hopkins University. Then Bob joined his two brothers Milton and
John Ushman in founding and building Ushman Brothers Hardware and Lumber, of
which he eventually became the sole owner. To local customers, he was the "go-to
man" — his critical thinking skills helped solve their problems, both large and
small. Bob always welcomed all into his store with his warmth and
professionalism. Through the hardware store, he became involved with the
Northeastern Retail Lumber Association, which honored him as Lumber Person of
the Year in 1990. Bob's commitment to being an active participant in his
community went beyond work. He was one of the founders of the Balmville Citizens
Association and an elected local Republican Committeeman. Further, he was a
founding member of the Otter Kill County Club and a current member of the
Powelton Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf, bridge and socializing with
his numerous friends. Another dimension of Bob's life was his Jewish identity.
He was an active congregant of Congregation Agudas Israel, having served as
secretary and treasurer. For 62 years, including the past fall of 2016, he
chanted the Yom Kippur Haftarah (no small feat). Bob passed on to his son and
grandsons a strong sense of Judaism. Music was also an important part of Bob's
life. He joined the musician's union at age 13 and was a talented pianist. For
many years, he was the co-owner of the Ray Nelson Band, which played for decades
at the Bear Mountain Inn. Even at his 90fr birthday party, he entertained his
guests with his piano playing and storytelling. Bob Ushman will be missed, but
he leaves a legacy which stresses the importance of hard work, community
engagement, family and enjoying life to its fullest. As Bob often said, "L'
Chalm• " - "To Life." His family will be remembering Bob at his funeral on
Wednesday on July 12 at 10 AM at Congregation Agudas Israel, Newburgh. Burial
will follow at the Beth El Cemetery in West Roxbury Massachusetts, 3:30 PM.
Shiva ("visiting hours") will be at his Newburgh home on Sunday and Monday, July
16 and 17, at 2-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be
made to Congregation Agudas Israel.
NFA Class Memorial Page
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Post a reply || Back to Message Board Robert "Bob" Ushman - Class of 1942
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