With a genuine smile, a gift for conversation, and a curious, child-like spirit most embodied by dance moves that defied human biology and physics, Robert Samuel Polay made the world a better place. Not just for friends and loved ones who called him “Bob” or “dad”, but everyone he met, including complete strangers. Open and generous in spirit, he had a true interest, respect, and love of people and the many professional and personal interests and hobbies he pursued throughout his life.

Born February 17, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York to Harvey and Sylvia (Rosenhaus) Polay, he married Anita Finberg, the love of his life, on April 12, 1962 in Brooklyn.  Together, they raised four children in Long Island, NY.

Creative and entrepreneurial, Bob went on to achieve success as a business owner and world-class custom die-cutter known for solving problems of design, manufacturing, packaging, and shipping with elegant spacial, artistic, and practical ingenuity.

While truly loving his work, he also lived life to the fullest, and with a limitless curiosity found great joy in some of its simplest pleasures. Spending time with friends, family, and anyone else in earshot (cab drivers, waiters, random people on the sidewalk or LIRR); reading The New York Times; submitting weekly entries to The New Yorker cartoon contest; playing a lot of tennis; and sitting in the sun in the backyard.

In the last two years of his life, he showed amazing dignity, strength and acceptance. And in the end, when he could no longer speak or open his eyes, he stilled managed to smile; giving those he cared for an enduring gift of love, inspiration, and healing.

At age 79, Bob passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at home surrounded with loved ones in Lake Worth, Florida.

He is survived by his wife, Anita, sister, Marcia (Polay) Cohen; late daughter, Amie (Polay) Bower; son, Jonathan Polay; son, Kevin Polay; daughter, Liza (Polay) Schklar; stepson Richard Press; grandchildren, Chloe Bower, Daniel Polay, Brendan Polay, Maya Polay, Salinger Polay, Jacob Schklar, Elijah Schklar and Olive Polay; and many loving nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Bob was buried at the Mount Golda Cemetery in Dix Hills, New York. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

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