Share Your Stories About Rob
OSHIT
Back in the 1990s, we all decided it was time to play better golf. So, we formed OSHIT — not just to enhance our game, but to spend time with our buddies and have some fun. And that’s exactly what we did, year after year. Sure, our golf skills never really improved…but the laughs, the memories, and the friendships? Those just kept getting better.
Rob’s Legendary All-Day Gravy
An event as much as a recipe: sausage, meatballs, rich tomato paste, a generous pour of red wine, San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic. And whatever you do — don’t drain the fat. That’s where the magic lives. Its just like Clemenza showed Michael in the Godfather!
Poker <=> Rob
Rob loved poker — and he played as often as he could, wherever he could. Friends, family, strangers — it didn’t matter. From casual home games to high-stakes tables, he was always in. There were Oceans 11-style nights with Mark Abramson and fun poker adventures in Las Vegas. He once dealt the cards himself in Irish poker games — yes, in Ireland.
His winnings were the stories he loved to tell — and the losses? “Not much.”
Pueblo Bonito Resorts in Cabo San Lucas
One of Rob’s favorite getaways and his Thanksgiving tradition, this was more than a timeshare — it was a place for family to come together and for friends to join in golf rounds, tennis matches, and unforgettable culinary adventures. The timeshare may have come with a contract, but the memories? All-inclusive.
Golf and The Shot
Vegas With The Boys
We all connected with Rob over the years through golf, laughter, and good-natured chaos. There were the shots we could have made, the near-misses we still shake our heads at, and the unforgettable moments — like the time he put it on the green from this bunker. We’re still telling that story.
Vegas With The Boys
Vegas With The Boys
From our late 20s to our lae 60's, Vegas was our beloved playground — golf, poker, shows, amazing food, and plenty of wild, hair-brained adventures like skeet shooting. (Yes, we had to explain that the pigeons were made of clay, not the real deal.) Somehow, we all made it home safe, sound, and—miraculously—without any missing appendages.
The Back Row Story
The Back Row. It all started in August of 1978 when we all entered medical school at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Our introductions were facilitated by the fact that we were put in smaller classes alphabetically by our last name. So Rakow, Realmuto, Relkin, Scheidlinger, Simon, and Simon all began our medical education together. We became the "Back Row" when most of us (not me, I was a front row nerd) all sat in the last row of the auditorium where we had all of our large classroom lectures. While our backgrounds, and aspirations differed, our interests and zest for living enmeshed seamlessly.
The Back Row Story Cont...
For 4 unbelievably intense years, we lived, ate, worked and played together. The cohesion of the group was tested when after medical school we all went to different residencies in divergent areas of the country. While marriage, children, and distance tested our cohesion, you could always count on Rob to maintain connection between us all. Rob would pick up the phone and check in on a routine basis and when he would come to NY to visit his mom, you could always count on a "Back Row" get together. Whether just for dinner, a few games of basketball or something else, it would renew the connection.
The Back Row Story Cont...
It's been 40 yrs since we met and we have all grown in different ways, raised families, and made new friends. But, when we do get together, it's one of those moments when no time has passed. Conversations renew as no time has passed. Rob was a lynchpin in that dynamic. His ever positive attitude made every moment together a pleasure. We will miss his smile, his ever positive attitude, and his love for the Back Row and it's members. We all have suffered an unmeasurable loss but due to his presence, the Back Row will continue to be a group of amazing friends. He will be missed but he will be a forever presence in the group.
Retirement
The Retirement Party
Retirement After 40+ Years
Retirement After 40+ Years
Orange Coast Memorial Celebration Party
The Beloved ER Team
Retirement After 40+ Years
The Retirement Crew
Family, Friends and Colleagues
Gary & Rob - Fourth of July
Rob's Favorite Rest in Brooklyn
Rob's Favorite Rest in Brooklyn
Brothers reunited at Coney Island — hot dogs, swimming, and fireworks made for a perfect Fourth of July.
Rob's Favorite Rest in Brooklyn
Rob's Favorite Rest in Brooklyn
Rob's Favorite Rest in Brooklyn
When Rob came to town, the crew — Gary, Chuck, Mom, and Evan — gathered at Tommaso, his favorite Italian restaurant in Brooklyn. Between the pasta, the stories, and the laughter, it was classic family fun.
Brothers At Coney Island
Rob's Favorite Rest in Brooklyn
Brothers At Coney Island
There was never enough time together, but as we got older, we grew closer. This day at Coney Island was one of those simple, special times — just brothers enjoying the beach, some laughs, and each other’s company. .
Gary's New Boat -
Brothers At Coney Island
When Gary bought his new boat, he named it in Rob’s honor — using a childhood nickname that always made them both smile. It was his way of keeping Rob close on every journey
Catalina Island Weekend
Catalina Island Weekend
Hanging out together in 2023 on Catalina Island with our tour guide/driver (Sir Charlie) and his vintage VW van — we got the full island experience, bison and all. And of course, Oliver was there too, keeping watch and making sure we were all safe (or at least pretending to!
OSHIT Commitment
Catalina Island Weekend
The Three Stuges, united in their quest to conquer golf — and proving every round that practice makes… well, maybe not perfect, but definitely entertaining!