Robert Hruska
August 18, 1920 ~ May 5, 2016
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Surrounded by his loved ones, Robert Hruska passed away peacefully May 5, 2016, in Asheville. He left this physical world after a short illness with heart disease.
Robert was the youngest of eight children, born August 18, 1920, in Yorkville, NY, to Morris Hruska and Regina Salzer Hruska. He celebrated his 95th birthday with a large group of family and friends last summer.
His parents immigrated to the United States from Budapest, Hungary in the early 1900s. Robert grew up in the Bronx and graduated from Textile High and City College. In World War II he served in the Army Air Corps Weather Service. Upon his return from the war he did post-graduate studies at Columbia University in New York City, which led to a position at the University of Alabama teaching statistics and economics. Missing his family, he came home and began his studies to become an actuary enjoying a long and successful career and retiring in 1986 as Vice President of Pension Planning Co. in NYC.
Robert loved music and nature and was interested in leftist politics. He loved to be out walking and instilled in his children a love of the outdoors. Robert was a very talented photographer who captured the essence of those he photographed, especially children.
He and his late wife, Laura Eileen Hruska retired to Asheville in 1990. They were members of Beth Ha-Tephila Congregation. Robert was secretary of the Temple's Brotherhood and volunteered through the Brotherhood at Claxton School, Asheville High School, and his beloved Ira B. Jones School, where he was known as "Grandpa Robert".
He leaves his widow, Sonja Wilhelm Hruska; two daughters, Stephanie Jofe (Michael) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Robin Hruska (Michael Orr) of Indianola, WA; three grandsons, Shams Orr-Hruska (Pamela Hruska) of NYC, Jacob Jofe of San Francisco, and Eric Jofe of Jacksonville, FL; and three surrogate grandchildren, Jacqueline, Jeremy, and Danielle Dejournette, all of Asheville.
Robert's life was a life well lived.
Burial will be in New York with a memorial service in Asheville at a later date.
Sonja our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and family the Keretz family
Dear Sonja
Robert, Robbie, Wobbes, was a dear, dear man. So soft spoken you had to concentrate to hear him but he always had something interesting to say. His life was so fascinating. Putting money in the gas meters in NY was just one such story. He said his family was poor but they loved each other. He certainly made a success of his life as regards family, education and career. He was a faithful husband dad, granddad and uncle. He loved YOU so so much. It was a joy to see the love between the two of you. You were good for each other. I know you will miss him terribly.We can’t take his place but your friends will always be here for you. As Supreme Diva, we need you. Love from Nona and Don
Sonja, we were so blessed by Robert’s life. We treasure so many precious moments with you and Robert! It was always special to celebrate our August 18th birthdays together. We pray for God’s grace peace and comfort for you and the family!
Blessings
Kelvin and Terry
Sonja,Very sorry about Robert. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Ellen Gilreath
Sonja, I was saddened to find out about Robert, I didn’t know him well, but I always, enjoyed being at your home during the time I lived at Beaverdam Run. You all were such great neighbors.
Peace to you and treasure your memories,
Sonja, Robert was a wonderful, smart, funny, caring and loving man who clearly delighted in you. I’m so glad you found each other, and that I got to know him when you visited Washington. Thoughts and prayers — and love, always.