Nolan Funeral Home, Inc.
Robert Eric Spong
1940 - 2014
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The family of Robert Eric Spong uploaded a photo
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
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peter foster posted a condolence
Friday, March 28, 2014
Capt. Bob, May you rest in peace my friend. My deepest sympathy and condolences to your family. Thank you for all the great memories and adventures I shared with you as part of your crew on the Capt. John in Montauk. You were a "gentle giant" with a kind heart to those who knew you. Fish on...Peter Foster.
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Barry Worrell posted a condolence
Thursday, March 13, 2014
I didn't know Bob, but am friends with his sister Bonnie and her husband, Fred.
Just thinking of them at this time.
They are in my prayers.
BW
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Jan Ward posted a condolence
Thursday, March 13, 2014
While I did not know your beloved brother Bob, I am saddened at his passing for your sake and that of his family. I know that he was always on your mind, and I'm sure he knew that, too. I believe that he will enjoy smiling down upon you all as you share your memories and love for him at his "Fisherman's Wake". I extend my deepest sympathies to you and to all of Bob's family.
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David, Rita and Carl Spong posted a condolence
Thursday, March 13, 2014
I was able to see Bobby a few years ago on my last trip to New York. I loved Bobby's love of the sea. I believe it is a deeply held family trait. He had planned to visit us in Florida this spring and I was looking forward to hearing and sharing family stories. We'll all miss him. We plan to see him one day in heavan. We send our love and wish we were there to remember him with you all.
David ,Ritaa and Carl
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Kim Southern posted a condolence
Thursday, March 13, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Bonnie~So sorry for the loss of your brother that you spoke of so often-I know how much you will miss him!
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Ruth and Steve posted a condolence
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Bonnie, we are very sorry to hear of your brother Bob's passing. You, Fred and your family our in our thoughts and prayers.
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Audrey Cann posted a condolence
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Bonnie,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Audrey
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Dee posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Bonnie and Fred, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you and your family.
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Norma Dagnelli posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Because of my beloved friend, Bob, I had lots of good times and many hours of playing games, scrabble and bridge, and dining out and in. There were a couple of arguments and once in a while during a game his booming voice blew and gave my ears quite a shock! He always wanted to win our games but I came through now and then. All in all, I will greatly miss Bob and our togetherness. He could be quite tender at times. Thank God for great
friends, and Love to Bob's
family at this difficult time.
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Nancy posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Bonnie and Fred (aka "Red) on the loss of your brother.
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Melinda Hadden posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Bonnie, I know I never got to meet Bob in person but I feel like I know him and your nephews through you. I know you loved him very much and worried and prayed for him daily. You are a great Big Sister and I am sure he knew that. My condolences to all of the family. I know he will be missed. We love you!
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Maria Cutignola posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
“I met Bob at the Singles Circle at St. Paul’s Church about a year after my husband passed away in 2007. I saw this tall guy surrounded by 3 ladies who were listening to him intently. He had a scruffy beard and mismatched clothes. I was curious as to why this guy and not many of the other guys were attracting the ladies.
Bob was telling them one of his many stories of his escapades in Northport. I soon became a fan. He was gentle, fun, and charming but was not afraid to let his feelings known. He let everyone know that no woman could ever change him, so don’t even try. He always did things HIS WAY. Maybe that would be a fitting marker for his gravesite.
After the meeting we decided to get a bite to eat at Feed and Grain. It was Bob and 4 of us ladies. I was now part of his “harem”. When the bill came I handed Bob a 20 dollar bill stating that I had no smaller bills. He promptly tore the bill in half and said, “ Now you have 2 tens!”
Bob took me on many car tours around the coastal areas of Northport, Asharoken, and Eaton’s Neck. I thought I knew the area having lived here for many years but he showed me little known coves and inlets that were serene and beautiful. He also showed me the tree he hit when he was driving home from too much drinking.
On one such a journey, he screeched his car to a halt on a residential street. He said, “Look at that, at the base of the tree, it’s a special mushroom. Jump out and get it.” It was as big as a dinner plate! He said, “Here’s a large knife you can use to cut it off the base of the tree. “ So now I was his partner in crime, trespassing and stealing from private property. I did manage to cut it off and quickly ran to his car. He told me to put it in the back seat.
I asked what he was going to do with it. He said he would give it to Timmy, of Tim’s Ship Wreck Diner. Well the next time I got in his car, the precious mushroom was there stinking up everything. As most of you know, Bob’s car always smelled of dead fish. I complained about it often and one day he said he solved the problem. He tossed me a mesh bag of pine cones he got at the dollar store and told me to keep my nose in the bag if his car smelled too much.
All of us ladies loved the stories he told of his misspent youth. One story involved his interest in the special stones on a street he lived on near the Northport harbor. He decided there were enough extras to dig some up and sell them. He kept this up for a while and since he was making a nice bundle, why not continue? When the street was more dirt than paving stones the town got busy and figured out he was the thief. He had to buy back the paving stones and put them back down. This was before his best friend, George Doll was mayor.
Bob was a generous person to others but not to himself. He traded in a brand new car at a loss to then buy a smaller resale that he said fit his image. I remember pulling up to a gas station and his telling the gas jockey to fill it up with REGULAR gas. He saw that the attendant pushed the button for high test instead. I had never seen Bob move so fast. He jumped out of the car and when the gas jockey saw his size, he was aghast. They had words, and then Bob picked him up by the front of his shirt and rammed him against the gas pump. NO CHARGE, NO CHARGE the attendant hollered. We quickly drove on. It was all part of the excitement of being with notorious Bob.
Another part of his generosity was putting in $50 checks to any church he attended. He told me they all worked for the same God and did good things for those in our local communities. I remember when Cavay Lumber was having a charity event and he bought a table for 14 people and never asked any of the people at the table for money. It cost him $700.
The last 2 or 3 years he had many health issues but never complained. He always had an upbeat attitude of WHATEVER WILL BE, WILL BE. It drove me nuts that he sometimes didn’t have his cell phone on when he knew that was the number that would be called if a kidney came in for him.
He really enjoyed being part of the fish booth at the Farmer’s market each Saturday that he and George Doll ran in season. He loved to show the little kids the live lobsters. Some were fearful but most loved handling them. He often told me stories of his own kids growing up. He was so very proud of his family, especially his grandchildren.
I’m glad you are having this celebration of his life at Gunther’s with lively music, good food and plenty to drink. That’s just what he wanted, lots of merriment with NO TEARS please. He also wanted a Viking funeral but I’m sure the harbor master would not approve.
This gentle giant will surely be missed. He was a fixture here in Northport.”
Submitted by Maria Cutignola
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Bonnie posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Even though it was my whole life it was not enough time. I know you are aware of how much I loved you. I will miss our disagreements god forgive anyone get in the middle of one. To i see you again ....I love you.
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Karen Lund Schroeder posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
May Love and Prayers accompany his spirit to the next place...
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nancy morrell posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Dear Bob & The Spong Family,
Will always remember our happy Npt. High and Hofstra days. Although we haven't seen each other for a while,you always live in my heart.
I'm certain you've been a special gift to your family and all who know you.
hugs,
nancy
xoxoxo
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Jane (Maloney)Sloan posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
So sorry to hear about my classmate/friend Bob's passing. I haven't been in touch since I moved upstate and have missed seeing him in the fresh fish booth every spring/summer. He will continue to be remembered in my thoughts and prayers. Love,Jane Sloan
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Bill Smith posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Bob brought joy to all he touched!! He will be truly missed. Bill Smith
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Judy Bracy posted a condolence
Monday, March 10, 2014
I have known Bob for most of my life. A gentle giant for sure. My remembrance of wonderful Cow Harbor days and him selling clams, lobster and just a jovial person. I was lucky to have him for a friend. Just like Bob Grogan, who just passed, I was lucky to get Bob to volunteer at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and help count money for the American Cancer Society. He was always ready to give of himself. RIP, Bob. You will be missed by all.
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Robert Flaherty posted a condolence
Monday, March 10, 2014
Grew up with Bob My condolence to his family May he rest in peace
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Charley Kusky posted a condolence
Monday, March 10, 2014
So Long Cuz. I'll miss you. Our phone calls on Sundays. So sorry you never got down here.
Our Windjammer Cruises were the most memorable fun times. also when I went lobster and scalloping with you. When you shipped me chowder clams to FL. so I could make chowder for friends. The poker games in Northport. and mostly growing up as children when I lived with you, your Mom and Dad and our walks to the harbor, I think we were only 6 or 7 yrs old so many years ago. Love Ya Cuz and your finally Pain Free. Love Ya, Cousin Charley
Thursday
13
March
Memorial Service
3:00 pm
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Gunther's Tap Room, 84 Main Street, Northport, NY
84 Main Street
Northport, New York, United States
