Robert L. Burnell

Burnell, Robert L., “Bobby”, of South Farmingdale passed away on his 80th birthday on May 28, 2023. Loving and devoted husband of 59 years to Pamela. Treasured father of Yvonne Howarth (Jim), LuAnne Koliner (Bobby), Kathleen Burnell, the late Robert Jr. and Sean Burnell (Suzanne). Adored grandfather of Johnny, Samantha Nicole, Rhianna, Jeremy Taylor (Lianna), Amanda Rose, Joseph Robert, Vincent Richard and Mia Grace. Cherished great-grandfather of Jaxon Rayne, Jaelynn, Gianna Monroe, Jameson Taylor and Cameron Justin. Beloved brother of Joan Geraghty (the late George) and Diane Paul (the late Ronald). Dear uncle to many nieces and nephews. Proud US Navy Veteran serving on the USS Luce DLG-7 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Bobby was a truly extraordinary person, he brought laughter and amusement to all those fortunate enough to know him. He had a larger-than-life personality that could effortlessly light up any room with his quick wit and infectious humor. Robert was truly one-in-a-million, he always put his family first and cherished every moment spent with them. He had a profound love for nature and all animals. He was truly an “animal whisperer”, wherever they went, animals of all kinds seemed to be drawn to him. Bobby was always striving to learn more, he would read educational books about nature, astronomy, woodworking, gardening and many other interesting topics. He was a true “Bob the Builder” being able to fix almost anything, and enjoyed working around the house. He was proud to never have to hire anyone until he was physically unable to do the work. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, woodworking, reading, listening to music and doing puzzles on his ipad. Bobby was huge Islanders fan and used to look forward to working near their practice rink so he could watch the players practice. His kids always loved when he would serve their food, he made the biggest burgers with steak fries, which they called “Bobby Burgers” and when it came to dessert, he was never cheap on the portions, or the whipped cream. Bobby’s favorite things to eat were Snickers, Peanut M&M’s, Rolo’s and vanilla ice cream in his coffee mug, which earned him the nickname the “Ice Cream King”. His kids have so many memories with their Dad, going to the cabins upstate, Toys-R-Us, drive in movies, the beach, Wantagh Park and playing in the front yard while he would be mowing or watering the grass. Their pumpkin picking tradition was an all-day affair, which has now been passed down to the great-grandchildren. They would go to Krupski’s Farm, Harbes Family Farm and stop at all the little shops along the way until they got to Greenport. Bobby and Pam always made birthdays and Christmas so special for their children and his family is so lucky that they were able to spend one last memorable birthday with him. Robert and Pamela had a beautiful, fairytale marriage, knowing each other for over 63 years. When Bobby first saw Pamela in school, he actually pointed her out to a friend and said “Do you see that girl? I am going to marry her one day”, shortly after on March 12, 1961 he asked her on their first date to the bowling alley. The rest was history, Bobby actually proposed to Pamela on his birthday and they got married May 30, 1964. The love the two of them had for each other is truly admirable. They would always say “I love you more than..” and they would change it up each time. The last time Pamela said “I love you more than the stars and planets in the sky”, and he said “I love you more than the all baby turtles in the ocean”. The family will receive visitors Thursday, June 1st, 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Arthur F. White Funeral Home, Inc., 315 Conklin Street, Farmingdale. Funeral Service Friday, June 2nd, 10 am at the funeral home. Interment with military honors following at Long Island National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bobby’s memory to the Disabled American Veterans; DAV.org.

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