"It takes at least 30 lives until we begin to understand what it's all about..." (Robert Lovelace, paraphrasing Edgar Cayce-American clairvoyant, 1877-1945).

Longtime Ossining resident, Robert Joseph Lovelace (" Uncle Bob"), passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the age of 94 from pneumonia. He exuded an engaging spark until the very end, embodying humor, joy and warmth throughout his long and honorable life. He is survived by his three younger siblings: Ronald Lovelace, Barbara Lovelace, and Richard Lovelace; and his four nieces: Lauren Lovelace, Carrie Carrier, Valerie Lovelace, and Nancy Varn. Much to his chagrin, he outlived his mother Annette Lovelace who was a dear confidant to him until her death in 2005.

Uncle Bob marched to the beat of his own drum, delighting all who came into his orbit with a welcoming, jovial demeanor, including his nieces' colleagues on random Zoom calls taken during visits with him over the last several years. While he loved the ladies, he equally enjoyed mixing it up with the men his nieces introduced over the years. Perhaps best described as an extroverted introvert, Uncle Bob could relate to everyone, and he rarely judged anyone (short of a quick eyeroll for truly outrageous behavior). He could always be counted on for a funny anecdote or dry witticism. He lived intentionally, thought deeply, read prodigiously and could spell just about any word ever uttered. He loved horse racing (Belmont, Saratoga), baseball (Yankees) and football (Giants) and knew all the stats and odds as well as any computer. In politics he often favored independents who followed their own moral path rather than toe the party line.

A near-drowning at age 14 seemed to ignite in him an interest in clairvoyant historical figures, especially Nostradamus and Edgar Cayce-hence his enduring belief in reincarnation. Ever the independent thinker, he steadfastly believed that he had not only been here before but that he was coming back! He took this life in stride and was genuinely content... As a son he was responsible, loyal and considerate to the end, serving as a primary caregiver for his mother until her passing. As a brother, in his younger years, he could always be counted on for a game of stickball or shifts at the family restaurant: Bertrand's. Long after the restaurant closed, vestiges of Uncle Bob's experience hung tight, including his volunteering to be the designated dishwasher at every family function. Later in life, he enjoyed keeping up with his brothers by talking sports and looked out for his sister when her health declined. As an uncle, Uncle Bob was fun and engaged. He was a champion "hide & seek" player, took his nieces on endless trips to Nelson Park, and never turned down a game of tic-tac-toe, pick-up sticks, or checkers. Uncle Bob was the first one you might seek out at a party and the main one you would turn to if you needed a little pick-me-up or brightening of your mood.

A self-described "eccentric," Uncle Bob was actually one of the most "normal," kind and pleasant people you could ever hope to meet. He was eminently level-headed, pragmatic and good-natured, and he always showed up when he said he would. Perhaps that was a function of his multi-decade career with the Railroad (in the Tariffs office, no less)! Uncle Bob maintained contact with all his retired Railroad colleagues and truly enjoyed their friendships. Upon learning of Uncle Bob's passing, his former colleague Mary remarked that he was "truly the sweetest, sweetest man."

Uncle Bob was also an avid and talented gardener. He tended to his breathtaking roses like children, and he grew the juiciest, most flavorful berries and many vegetables, always generously sharing his harvest with family, friends and neighbors. He was thin his entire life and never had to worry about his weight in spite of enjoying rich food and a nightly martini (or two). When asked to what he attributed his remarkably good health- in spite of a one-to-two pack a day smoking habit for about 70 years- Uncle Bob said that he followed the advice of Edgar Cayce, who also is considered the father of holistic medicine. Per Cayce, one had only to eat a few raw almonds each day to prevent many types of cancer.* And to his and Cayce's credit (and likely inheriting resistant genes), Uncle Bob never got cancer. He did, unfortunately, develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ("COPD"). *It should be noted that this belief in the health attributes of almonds (and many other nuts) was later buttressed by multiple, peer-reviewed scientific studies.

Uncle Bob was skeptical of Western medicine but respected and appreciated the doctors he encountered later in his life (as they appreciated him). His prescription for good health revolved mainly around a diet of whole, freshy grown organic foods, a quiet life, regular physical activity and various social outlets. Uncle Bob believed strongly that people should research and explore alternative options to various maladies if they could not find adequate answers in conventional medicine. At the same time, he knew that alternative (or integrative) medicine was not for everyone.

Most importantly, he followed the "Golden Rule" to a T, never wanting to hurt or disappoint anyone. He did not like conflict but held fast to his convictions and seemed less susceptible than most to peer pressure and groupthink. Uncle Bob enjoyed the solitude of reading as much as he enjoyed being around other people, stating that he was never lonely and felt very content with his own company. However, he made friends easily and in his final years became very close buddies with Lauren's longtime partner, Dan, who spent countless days with him enjoying spaghetti, chocolate cake, and good conversation.

Uncle Bob's legacy is a beaming light that will not be easily dimmed.