Obituary of Robert J. Wulforst

Robert J. Wulforst, age 73, passed away on Monday afternoon February 13, 2023 holding the hand of his wife, Celeste. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Robert G. Wulforst, mother, Sister Phyllis Wulforst, CSJ, and sister, Lorretto. He is survived by his wife, Celeste; children Ruth, Richard, (Katie) and David; grandchildren, Meren, Walter, Jack, and Wesley. Also surviving are his four siblings, Virginia, Jimmy, (Sissy) Brenda, and Michael; brother-in-law, Doug; his loving nieces and nephews, JB, Jennifer, Lydia, Leanne, Josh, Abbey, LE, Ava, Cavan, Jason, Justin, Jerome, Holly, Michael, Katelin, and John. Bob was born on April 6, 1949 and grew up on Long Island's North shore, choosing to become a bayman with his father and brothers. Bob served his country in the United States Marine Corp from 1966-1968. He was severely injured and returned home disfigured, disabled, and addicted to opioid pain medication. For twenty years, he lived in the despair of chronic pain and active addiction. In 1986, Bob began a new journey in 12 step recovery, devoting his life in selfless service to those who suffered from addiction. He earned his Master's Degree in Social Work from the State University of New York at Stonybrook as an older Veteran student, writing his thesis on PTSD and veterans. Bob worked in the field of Substance Abuse Treatment until his retirement. Robert was an avid outdoorsman who was thrilled to have the opportunity to go fishing for salmon in Alaska. His favorite memories were of hunting with his family and fishing with his brother and best friend, Jimmy. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2016, Bob committed his energy to a program called "Rock Steady Boxing" that improved the quality of his life immensely, and he fought the good fight. For the last year of his life Bob was bedridden, but he remained content – reading, watching movies, and appreciating the smallest things, like eating ice cream for breakfast. He was devoted to Ukraine and their fight for democracy, studying Ukrainian History and watching international news reports about Ukraine. Memorial Contributions to Ukrainecap.org are appreciated. Three services are being planned. The first on his birthday, Thursday evening April 6, 2013, we will gather virtually with a Celebration of his life via Zoom. On the weekend of June 9-11, we will meet together on Long Island to sprinkle his ashes by the Huntington Lighthouse. Then finally, we will be dedicating a bench in his honor at Wulfstock, July 20-24. More information will follow. Online condolences may be sent to meleckifuneralhome.com