QUEENS, NY - My beloved father, Robert Shaw Tolliver, died on September 17, 2005 at 12:44 a.m. from heart failure caused by Stage IV lung cancer and emphysema. I have no doubt that he walks with God and is now at peace. I know that should comfort me, and it does, some. However, I miss Dad terribly, as do the many other relatives and friends who love him.
OBITUARY
Robert Shaw Tolliver (“Bob”) was born in the Bronx, New York, on July 15, 1931, to Pearl Louise Henley and Benjamin Ernest Tolliver. He was the youngest of five children who included Dorothy, Sylvia, Benjamin and Frances.
Bob grew up in the Bronx and moved to Jamaica, NY, traveling to Brooklyn to attend Boys High School. He entered the United States Marine Corps in January, 1952. Bob served as a Corporal during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at numerous U.S. bases and in Okinawa, Japan. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and United National Service Medal.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marines, Robert married Doris Elaine Hutchings on September 8, 1956. They resided in Long Island, New York, with their two children, Lisa Marie and Robert Shaw, Junior. Throughout his life, Bob remained a devoted father and maintained a close and loving relationship with his children.
Bob worked as an electrician at Lockheed Aircraft Corp., where he headed a team whose responsibilities included maintaining Air Force One. In November, 1965, Lockheed honored Bob by sending him to Japan on a classified special assignment.
Bob was multi-talented and generously donated his time and treasures to those in need. Even after he retired, he maintained an active schedule, earning numerous certifications and awards for achievement and meritorious service. For example, he was named “Man of the Year” by the Rockaway Boulevard Senior Center for outstanding volunteer service.
Bob was spiritually grounded as was manifested in his dealings with his fellow man on a daily basis. His deep racial pride was captured in a sixties newspaper article demonstrating his protest to the exclusion of minority contractors in the construction of Rochdale Village.
A fun-loving and gregarious individual, Bob will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His survivors include his children, Lisa and Robert, Jr., daughter-in-law, Annette, grandsons Robert III and Daniel, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
~~ Lovingly Submitted: T H E F A M I L Y ~~
SCRIPTURES SHARED IN THE FUNERAL BROCHURE
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I am the resurrection and the life: He that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he live. (St. John 11:25)
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Come all ye who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11.28)
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I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing (presence) (II Timothy 4:7-8)
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And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelations 21:4)
APPRECIATION
The family of the late Robert Shaw Tolliver wishes to express deep and heartfelt appreciation for your loving thoughtfulness and concern, including cards, flowers, phone calls, visits, your presence here, and especially your prayers. May God bless each of you, and may His peace be with you always.
