My deepest sympathy to Bob’s family. I remember Bob from Sacred Heart, and from Catholic High. He treated everyone with respect, defended the underdog, and was known for being at the top of his classes. I can imagine that he was a wonderful doctor, as many have described here so eloquently. The world definitely is a better place because of him.

Sincerely,
Christina Schaller Burroughs
LCHS ’77

I knew Bob for 44 years, since second grade at Sacred Heart – I attended St. Joseph School for first grade. I knew him at Lancaster Catholic for those four years. Then, he became my doctor for twenty years, I believe. Of Bob I can truly say: He was as nice a person as God ever put on this earth. He held himself up with integrity and purpose his whole life. He even paid me the dollar he owed me when the Cowboys beat the Dolphins in the 1971 Super Bowl. Next year he got even but I was smart enough not to bet against those Dolphins! Of his life I think all will agree that he made it a better place by his presence in it! Heaven will think so too!
Christopher L. Haefner, Lancaster author

My heartfelt sympathy to Bob’s family and loved ones.  I recall his assistance with Calculus at LCHS (would not have passed without him), his compassion as a physician at LGH and his sincerity and optimism when we encountered each other over the years in Lancaster.  He was such a caring man and I cannot imagine your loss.

Erin McKenna LCHS Class of ’77

Bobby,
I was deeply saddened when Greg called me about the passing of your father.  I know he was a fine man and doctor.  However, most important I know he raised a strong, confident young man.  Nothing said today will make things immediately better.  Time is our friend and faith guides us.  I’ve unfortunately lived your sadness and loss when I was 18.  I miss my father to this day, though I cherish memories of a father who loved and lived for his family.  He will always be with you and believe me he will guide you.  Always keep you mother and family first and strive to make your father proud. 

I still tell my golf buddies of the high school kid who shot the under par round at CrossGates this summer.  But, I most proud of the day I took $5 from you and Greg on a better ball.  Be strong and proud.  You’re a fine young man. 

Dr. Artuso

I had the privilege of knowing Bob as both a child and as an adult, and both were exemplary people to know. Bob was a leader among his peers in my classroom and as a doctor, there’s no one to compare with him. I will miss him as I know you will. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mrs. Danielle Retallack

I had the privilege of knowing Bob as both a child and as an adult, and both were exemplary people to know. Bob was a leader among his peers in my classroom and as a doctor, there’s no one to compare with him. I will miss him as I know you will. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mrs. Danielle Retallack

Though I did not know Dr. Stengel personally, I know his brothers, Judge Lawrence F. Stengel and John. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mike Boomsma

Linda:
My thoughts are with you and the kids.  I think of Bob now and remember his wonderful smile, his gentle spirit, his kindness. What a blessing he was to so many people who knew him.

In friendship,
Lorna Rettig

Larry sure gave us a tall order to live half as well as did the young, gentle doctor.  Bob was always a quiet, steady, reassuring influence.  He will continue to guide those who knew him even for generations to come.

Soren West
Buchanan Ave

Kind and gentle Dr. Stengel has blessed this community plentifully even though his time on this earth was so brief. My husband was a patient of his and was glad to be so. Thank you Dr. Stengel for taking care of him. God bless your family. Rest in peace.
Siang Hua and Joanne S. Wang

Linda;
You and family are in my thoughts and prayers.  You have all been strong for so long, please take time for yourselves now, especially you Linky.  I hope to talk to you in the near future.  My heart truly goes out to you and your family.

With love and deepest sympathy, 
Cousin Vicki Petraglia (Frank, Frankie and Louie too). 

I didn’t know Bob really well but knew him as one of Larry’s kid brothers when I was growing up on the 400 block of State St around the corner from the Stengel’s Buchanan Ave home. Larry and I became fast friends and their home became my second home as mine was to Larry. They were a wonderful family to be "adopted" by. Just wanted to extend our condolences and sympathies to Bob’s wife Linda and his children and all the Stengel family.

All of the above messages speak volumes as to the type of person Bob was and is a great tribute to his time here on earth.

Bot Roda & wife Joanne

What a beautiful legacy Dr. Stengel has left to his family, patients and community.  I was his patient for over 20 years. My parents (Donald & Margaret Grant) and grandparents (Patrick & Kit Falvey), all now deceased, were also his patients for a longer time. He helped our family through many stages of our lives. He was always kind and self effacing.  He was an excellent physician and carried out that role as I imagine Christ had in mind when he told us to be as a servant.  I am truly saddened by his death and know that we have lost a wonderful person.  I will always remember him and I wish that his family will be uplifted in the knowledge that he was an example of what a good man should be.

Sincerely,
Maureen Grant (Hoffman)

I was a patient of Dr. Stengel for at least 20 years. I loved him like my own son.  He took the time to sit with me and let me talk when I became a widow in 1992. Dr. S always looked you in the eyes when he spoke to you. And he always had a hugh smile when he opened the door and entered the examining room although you knew he was ill but never let it show. Medically he steered me in the right direction many times all those years. I lived in Lewis,De for two years but always came back to Doctor Stenbel for advise and treatment. We will all miss him so much and my condolences and prayers go out to his family.
God be with you Robert.
Jacqueline Reinhold
A loving patient

I would like to extend our sympathy to the Stengel family and also the Oyster Point staff on the loss of a wonderful,caring,gentle man.  Our families (Landis/Blakeslee) have been going to Dr.Stengel since he started with Dr. Martin in the Liberty Street office.  His concern and wonderful care of our family will never be forgotten.  My sister has special needs and he was always understanding and patient with her during visits.  My Mother has been in nursing homes for the past 7 years and he took care of her via visits or phone conversations. Whenever I had a concern about her health and called him, he always took the time to call me back and ease my mind that whatever she needed he would take care of.  I know my family will miss him and his calm voice and warm smile.  God Bless you Dr. Stengel.

Sincerely,
 
Sue Landis
Mary Blakeslee
Lisa Blakeslee

Dear Kath, and the entire Stengel family,
I had heard the sad news and am so sorry for your tremendous loss. I remember meeting Bob and recall the truly special relationship(s) you all shared.
He was so loved – and gave so much love.  That is what life is all about.
I hope you find the strength and courage to remember all the wonderful times that you all have shared, and know that so many caring thoughts are with you during and after this very sad time.

With love,
Dianne Snyder

My condolences go out to all the Stengel Family.  Although Bob was not my doctor, I know from my brother Jim that he was a wonderful person and doctor.   Bob was an inspiration to everyone as he fought his battle with leukemia with determination and courage.  He will be missed by many people but his memory will remain in our hearts forever.  I am so sorry that I was not able to give my condolences in person but all the Stengel family  will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Karen Ilvento McGinley

Thinking of you, Kathy, and your entire family at this difficult time.  I hope the Lord will bring you peace and comfort with the belief of an eternal life where you will see your big brother again.
Joy "Hoy" Feerrar and family

My deepest sympathy to Bob’s family, especially his wife and children.  Reading these condolences confirms my thoughts on what a great man, husband, father, son and family doctor Bob must have been.  When I called Bob to encourage him to come to our 25th reunion, we talked for at least a half an hour and it was just like we had talked yesterday at Pitt med school but I had not talked to Bob for 25 years. I hope he knew how much it meant to me and the rest of his classmates to see him at that reunion.  It speaks volumes about Bob that he cared about his classmates to come to the reunion despite all that he was dealing with. He was one of those rare people that you meet that you can say is a genuinely good person, a good guy.  Let us be inspired to live like Bob lived.
John Donatelli
Pittsburgh, PA
classmate, Pitt Med 1985

To the Stengel  Family:
My deepest sympathy in the passing of Dr. Stengel. I was an early patient of his on Liberty St. and then on Chestnut St. until his illness. I always got great care from Dr. Stengel.
 
 Ann Oslislo

Walking through the halls of LCHS, you could be sure that Bob would have a warm smile and hello for you.  He had a such a good and kind nature along with a great sense of humor.  My thoughts and prayers are with the Stengel family.
Betsy Wendel
Class of ’77

To his brother Larry and the entire Stengel Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

Pam (Garrett) Young
LCHS Class of 1970

In Bob…God gave us a wonderful example of: Who we should be, What we should do, and How we should be doing it.

Bob has forever touched us with his gentle, self-effacing, and humble manner.

He definitely made this world a more peaceful place when he was with us.  He will continue to make us better individuals as we, go forward reflecting on his kind manner and, work to emulate his behavior.

I’m sure going to miss you Bob but, thanks…I’m already a better person today than I was yesterday.

Your Classmate, Teammate, Friend and ADMIRER,
Mike Tierney

We are deeply sorry for your loss. Dr. Stengel was truly a wonderful person and had a kind and gentle soul. His warmth, compassion, and sense of humor gave comfort to go along with the wisdom he shared. Dr. Stengel was there for our family for over twenty years. We will miss him greatly.

Patients of Dr. Stengel
Emily and Glenn Vasey

With our deepest sympathy and love to Linda and family.  May God provide all the comfort you require at this time.

Sincerely,
Dr. Ken, & Bernadette Vehec

We will miss "Seymour Robbie" terribly. Bob thank you for being the great,Father, Doctor, and friend that you were. Our prayers are with your family.

Mark and Trudy Diehl

The world was a better because of Bob Stengel. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.I will always treasure my years spent with Bob as his football coach at L.C.H.S. I considered him to be a fine young man.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Coach Tony DiPaolo

When I think of Dr Stengel, I feel a sense of happiness and peace. He was an amazing, caring, loving doctor and I was so blessed to work for him as well as bring my child to see him. Dr S showed me what courage looks like…what faith looks like and what love looks like. Not only was he an amazing doctor, he was an amazing father and husband. He family and faith were his world. If all of us would live more like Dr S, this world would be a much better place. Thank you Dr S for always smiling and always caring. You will always be in my heart. Rest in peace, as you are now with God. We will all see you again someday.
With Blessings,
Ellie Myers

Our family enjoyed many years of medical care from "Dr. Bob".  He will be missed terribly by all who knew him.  My deepest sympathy to the entire family and know you are in our thoughts and prayers. 
Sincerely,
The Fultineer/McCartney family

We are very sorry to hear that Bob had passed away. He was a great man and I’m sure a great doctor. May your memories be a source of comfort and relief. Your family will be in our prayers in this time of sorrow. Again, our condolences to you and your family.

Sincerely,
Bert,Joe,Ashley and Lauren LoCurto

We will miss a person who was a true caregiver.  Our prayers are with everyone in his family.
Sincerely,
Richard & Karen Diller

You will be missed by me and my children you were our favorite doctor. May God Be With You And Your Family at a difficult time.

Sincerely
Betsy Lindsey Robin

I was very shaken when I saw the obit in today’s paper. I had many conversations with Bob about our mutual experience (I am a leukemia and bone marrow transplant survivor) and many more with Larry and Theresa. He was a wonderful man. He leaves a gaping hole in the world.

Michael Billig

I had the privilege to work with Dr. Stengel at Oyster Point.  Even though there were many times we knew he was not feeling his best he never let it show.  He always showed kindness to each of us.  We will truly miss him as I know will your family. We know he is well again and not suffering.  He will  never be forgotten at Oyster point. 
Vickie and Jay Summers

Our hearts go out to the Stengel family in their time of grief. Bob was a brave, kind and compassionate soul who shared his life and gifts with the world. The world is a better place because of him.

With Deepest Sympathy
Kathy LeFever Stoken and Drew Stoken

The embodiment of courage, the mind of a scholar, the heart of a champion and the soul of a saint, Bob served as the best example of what a man should be on this earth.  His love for his family and dedication to his career and patients will be forever missed.

Trust your faith in God during these trying times as we all struggle to accept and understand the beautiful example Bob set for all of those who knew him over the years.

We will honor Bob’s memory in the way we continue to lead our own lives.
We will think of him and pray for his family often.

Have Courage,
The Fisher’s

My deepest sympathies to the Stengel family. Bob was a sweet, kind  compassionate man and a wonderful doctor.

Agnes Rowan Scholl

Dear Linda and family,

Diana and I were very sorry to read in this morning’s paper about Bob’s death.
I was very fond of Bob, and consider him one of our outstanding graduates. He was not only very impressive as a resident, but demonstrated repeatedly in and outside of his role as a physician, a goodness of character that was revealed in his great respect for his mentors, his family, and for those he cared for. He was a person who one could always rely on to get the job done and never hesitated to go out of his way to meet his responsibilities.
We will very much miss him in the community, but it can never match the feeling of loss that will be felt by you and yours.
We have been blessed to have him among us for the short time that he was living in our midst.
May God bless his soul, and may it live forever and ever.
Eternal be his memory…

With love and deepest sympathy,
Nik and Diana Zervanos

I have known Bobby since we called him by that name. He was so special even as a child and he grew to be an excellent human being. We are all privileged to have known him and we will miss him. My sympathy to all his family.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Mary Ann (Rettig) Carroll

Lancaster has truly been blessed by the honor of having Bob to care for us for all these years. He was a model Physician, community member Father, Husband and friend. He embodied what it was to be a servant – to all. We will miss him.

Sincerely,
Christine Stabler, M.D.

What a most precious gift Bob was to this world and now a precious gift in another world.  May we all be one heart full of love in the heart of God.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Sue Weber
High School Classmate ’77

Wisdom 4: 7-12 …..Having been perfect in a short while, he reached the fullness of a long career, for his soul was pleasing to the Lord.  …  The people did not understand….

I was also an SHS and LCHS graduate being very fortunate to have crossed Dr. Stengel’s path again later in life working at Oyster Point.   I knew him as a man of great compassion and gentle strength.  I pray for him and all of those who love him, which are many, especially his wife and children.  God Bless.

Julie (Gaenzle) Brown

I have worked with Dr. Stengel for the past 3 years.  He was a very nice compassionate person.  I am so sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Pat Ackerman

I did not have the pleasure of meeting Dr. Stengel but I worked with both of his brothers, Judge Stengel and John Stengel and if he was anything like the two of them, he was a wonderful man. I have heard great things about him and I know his family will miss him dearly.  My heart goes out to all of Dr. Stengel’s family.

We knew Dr. Stengel from all the years our children attended Sacred Heart School and LCHS together. It is appropriate he went to be with the Lord during the month of All Saints, because he was truly a saint. He was a strong Catholic, a loving father and husband, and a caring doctor. We always saw him smiling and upbeat. By his actions he brought Jesus alive for all of us. Our deepest sympathies to his family. May he rest in peace.

Bob and Ginny Anspach

I’ve been patient of Dr. Stengel since he started his practice.  I was just pregnant with my first child.  He cared for me and my family for over 20 years.  I have never had another Dr. like him.  He was kind, compassionate and always took the time needed to make sure you understood whatever medical condition you had.  I’m a "relayer" and always looked forward to walking a few laps each year with Dr. Stengel.  Since we had children fairly close in age, I would often ask about his family.  He always spoke with such pride of his children.  I can only imagine how much he will be missed.  We are all greatly saddened by his passing.  Please know you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. 

A Patient of Dr. Stengel
Heidi Bianco

i have known bob and larry both personally and professionally  bob was a great man and doctor with a kind heart and never was too busy to listen or just stop and say hi  my condolences to his family and may God be with you at this hard time in your  life  

with sympathy,
Gerry Gaenzle

I did not personally know Dr. Robert Stengel, but I know from his family that he is great man and presents an exceptional attitude to live by with compassion and kindness. My condolences and prayers go out to the Stengel family.

Sincerely,
Michael Anspach

Bob was our family physician for many years when we lived in Lancaster. He was a caring caregiver and a warm, gentle friend to us and our small children (now grown adults). He was everything we could have wanted in a family doctor and we are grateful for the care he gave us. Some people impress you, from the moment you meet them, for the depth of their character and the richness of their humanity: Bob was that kind of person. We never doubted that to Bob we were never just paying clients but persons whose best interests he had at heart.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Bob’s family, with great thankfulness to have known him a person, a friend, and our doctor. Our lives are better because of him.

Don & Dianne Cooney
Wallingford PA

My deepest sympathy to the Stengel family. It was a privilege to have him as a classmate at two different time periods in my life.

Bill Curtin
LCHS’77, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine ’85

I am so very sorry about Bob. He was so wonderful that I told my family not to waste prayers on him. We need to pray for the rest of us who must now live without him. Whatever, wherever heaven is, he is there.

Here are a few anecdotes and comments:

In 1997 we were here during my sabbatical and we took our kids to see him on Chestnut St. for vaccinations and checkups. He wouldn’t let me pay. (This is so much like another hero of mine, my dad W. Roger Simpson!) I tried to reason with him by saying:" If I teach your kids, will I get paid?". Nothing doing, his work went unpaid. In money at least, since his real pay was being able to help others.

A few years ago I greeted Bob with "How’s the mix been lately?’" No hesitation in his reply: "Stiff!" Hearty laughter followed, as always with Bob. (Bob was a long-time asphalt paver for Charles A. Erisman)

Many years ago (say 1967?) Bob heard the song "Build Me Up Buttercup" and thought he knew the words. We all got a good laugh when he sang out " Sylvia, Sylvia, Veronica, don’t break my heart".

We were paving in Mt Gretna one day and we went to the Jigger Shop for lunch. It was an eventful lunch as Rick Grandall started eating his hamburger and discovered it still had the waxed paper attached. Then Bob got dessert and bit into his ice cream only to find a piece of hard candy hidden there. Luckily, he didn’t break a tooth.

His deep-voiced "Look at them clams" from Catholic High’s production of South Pacific  still resonates after 35 years or so.

I will miss Seymour Robbie: husband, father, friend, doctor, son, brother, uncle, paver, golfer, lineman, discus thrower, and much more. John Denver’s words come to mind: Joy was just a thing that he was raised on, love was just a way to live and die. What an example he was, and is, for us all.

Tom Simpson

Doctor Stengel will be greatly missed by all of his patients.  He was a wonderful person and most excellent physician.  He never rushed you out of his office and he listened to you and made you feel that you were his only patient. He was a gentle and caring person.

We send our deepest sympathy to his family. Please know that there are many who feel your pain.  Dr. Stengel fought an incredible battle and we are proud to have known him.

Leslie & Nick DePace

Dear Linda and Family…we were so sad to hear about the loss of Bob…He certainly touched so many people throughout his life…I always  enjoyed running into him at the kids activities where he always had a smile on his face and always had a positive attitude…He also was so wonderful to Jay’s parents and took such wonderful care of them…He will truly be missed…Our thoughts and prayers are with you…

Mary Beth and Jay Filling

Dr. Stengel had been my doctor since I was born and I also had the privilege of working as one of his nurses at Oyster Point. He was such a role model for all that knew him. I will miss seeing his smiling face and hearing his gentle voice each day. Although he was clearly in pain, he would never show it and would instead ask how you were doing. I thank the lord that he is now pain free! My thoughts and prayers are with his family. We will miss you Dr. Stengel

Sincerely,
Marissa Kinne

Hello Linda and family. 
I had the true pleasure of knowing Bob since LCHS and always enjoyed his calm presence and infectious laughter.  He always had a smile and firm handshake whenever we met and I had the good fortune to spend some time with him at Pitt.  Later in life he was my primary physician when he practiced on Chestnut street and I admired his courage and spirit in his willingness to "carry his cross" with a joyful heart.  I will always remember Bob and in that remembrance it will bring a smile to my face and a firm commitment to hold fast to my faith.  Thanks for being a friend, Bob.  Know that we will be praying for his soul and that Our Lady will wrap her mantle of comfort around him for eternity.

Tom, Mary and Max Anater

To all the Stengel Family,
   My deepest sympathy to you at this time of great loss.  Bob was a great man of God and doctor.  It was a privilege to know him.   May he be interceding for all of you.
   Mrs. Stengel, Jenn, Michael and Bobby,  I am so sorry for your loss.
Count on my continued prayers.
Lovingly,
Sister Patricia McGuigan, IHM

I have seen Dr Stengel through the years and was always delighted with his wonderful optimism. He was always gentle and most of all caring. It was a privilege to have him take care of me. I always felt what I was dealing with was nothing to compare with what he was dealing with and he handled it with such grace I wish I could do the same. He will truly be missed by all.

With Sincere Sadness In My Heart,
Patient @ Oyster Point
Christine Offidani