Obituary of Robert A. Baron

Family and friends sadly announce the passing of Robert A. Baron in New Rochelle, New York, on January 8, 2019 after a long struggle with Lewey Body syndrome. Born on Halloween in 1942 his trickster spirit was irrepressible. Surprises from Robert could show up without warning, like the fully inflated balloon he mailed to friends in Chicago. It was hand delivered by an irate and winded letter carrier to their apartment door on an upper floor in a walk-up building and entered into the extensive body of Robert Baronlore. Other fragile gifts got Robert's special packaging treatment. Unsealing those boxes-within-boxes was a little like breaking open Tutankhamun's tomb. It was never apparent from the outset how many layers would encase the treasure within, and marveling at the complexity of the wrapping let recipients appreciate the care Robert took to ensure that their relationships were well protected. Robert was prepared for the unexpected. He could never have too many bungee cords ready for emergencies -like attaching the flat tire to the roof of a rented SUV at midnight in the middle of the Arizona desert. He could magically produce wire cutters to repair the steering mechanism of a jeep that broke down in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. His camera was always ready to capture his unique perspective on life: The Indian bride in a carriage in Delhi held secrets that he could reveal in one of many stunning photographs from his trip with Ruth a few years ago, or the story of photographing the lone figure standing in a sea of blue stadium seats. Bringing his friends into re-seeing hundreds of his photos was a way for us friends to share in his delight at envisioning the world from his purely "Robert" angle. Born in Queens, Robert Arffa Baron attended Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,, He completed his B.A. at Binghamton University (formerly Harpur College), and earned an M.A. in art history at NYU-Institute of Fine Arts. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ruth Baron (née Reichek); their son Raphael; Robert's brother, Paul (Diane); and many loving and devoted family members and friends. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 11, at 11:00 am at Larchmont Temple, 75 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont NY 10538. Donations to the Westchester Photographic Society or the ACLU will be greatly appreciated.