Robert Desenberg

After a lengthy and brave battle with severe, chronic and progressive health issues Robert passed away peacefully at the home he loved. Robert was a man who had experienced many tragedies and heartaches, but he was also that special kind of person who through thought and personal introspection became a self-enlightened deep soul who used that knowledge to the benefit of all who knew and interacted with him. His dry sense of humor made him adept at interjecting a humorous remark unexpectedly at the exact right moment in conversation. In high school Robert won the Cleveland, Ohio Stillman-Kelly Tri-State music competition for classical piano performance. For this he was the recipient of a scholarship to the Julliard School of Music. Robert chose not to pursue further classical training deciding instead to pursue his love of jazz and blues. His keyboard talent, style and passion afforded him public acclaim and the opportunity to play with some very well-known musicians in these fields including Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Jack McDuff and Jimmy Witherspoon. After years on the road filled with wine, women and song Robert decided on a major lifestyle change. At midlife he returned to school and received his Master's in Social Work Counseling. With his therapeutic skills and personal experience Bob was able to affect a lot of lives. He was a "friend of Bill's " for 37 years. Robert never did leave his music behind but kept it as a gift for friends and his own enjoyment—composing two concertos over the years. Robert loved nature and the outdoors. Hiking, camping, canoeing and visiting the woods and state parks were probably his favorite pastimes. On a canoeing trip in Estero, Florida he and his neophyte canoeing partner (who shall remain anonymous) panicked and almost capsized their canoe when several alligators were spotted laying the shore. Bob also loved designing gardens, wood trails and bridges that truly enhanced properties. He had a real gift for planting and growing any living green thing. Since childhood he had a dream of seeing the Alps and in 2004 the universe unexpectedly presented him the gift of a lifetime and his wish came true. He also loved animals and would find creatures in need of rescue or they would find him, and they would be given food, love and care; often times a new home. He was a most generous man who loved to share with people. More than once he literally gave the shirt or jacket off his back to someone who admired it. Robert is survived by and sorely missed by Karen his adoring wife of 37 years and his beloved friend Dexter. They are determined to valiantly attempt to see their way through this excruciating time with the eyes of love because love is what defined their relationship with him. Condolences and remembrances can be made by snail mail or by contacting Allen Funeral Home www.allencares.com. Anyone wishing to assist in the effort to take Robert back to his beloved Mohican State Park in Ohio can also do so through Allen Funeral Home. Funeral Blues Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, Silence the pianos and with muffled drum Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead. Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves, Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves. He was my North, my South, my East and West, My working week and my Sunday rest, My noon, my midnight, my talk , my song; I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong. The Stars are not wanted now; put out every one, Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun, Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods; For nothing now can ever come to any good. W.H. Auden

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Robert Desenberg

May 18, 1939 - April 2, 2016