Robert Rouben Zall

Robert R. Zall of Delray Beach, Florida, formerly of Ithaca, New York died on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at the age of 90. He was born on December 5, 1925 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He was the son of Samuel Zall and Sarah Cohen. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years (Mollie Wiseblood), son Jonathan, daughter Phyllis, brothers Benjamin, Harold and Joseph and his sister Ida. He is survived by daughters Judy (husband, John Kusek) and Linda (husband, Leonard Trager), daughter-in-law Dora (Jonathan), granddaughters Jessica (Matthew Herman), Elizabeth, Raquel (husband, Nitai Fine), Victoria, Jenna, Yonit and great grandchildren Andrew, Jack and Arielle as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was educated at the University of Massachusetts and Cornell University. For many years he held senior management and leadership positions in the dairy industry in western New York. Later in life he became a Professor of Food Science at Cornell and taught and conducted research for 25 years. He retired in 1992 as Professor Emeritus. He was a beloved professor and inspiration to many of his students. He traveled widely internationally with his wife presenting scientific papers.

Bob regaled his children with stories of his childhood, including his days delivering "singing telegrams" as a young boy. He was very proud of his service to his country as a medic in the European Theater in WWII. He loved his country; in fact his last wish was to be able to vote in the November 8 election. He treasured being with his family at the cottage on Cayuga Lake and taught his children and all six granddaughters to waterski. He had a musical ear and could pick up any instrument and play it well. Most of all, Bob loved Mollie. Their marriage was an inspiration to all their friends and family.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 11 am at the Lakeview Cemetery with Rabbi Scott Glass officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Jonathan Jay Zall Memorial Fund, Temple Beth El, 402 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York 14850. Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Tuesday, October 11, 2016 11:00 AM

Lakeview Cemetery 605 East Shore Drive Ithaca, NY 14850