Robert 'Bobby' Zimmermann, obituary
DEERFIELD BEACH, Florida and SOUTH THOMASTON, Maine — In loving memory of Robert ‘Bobby’ Zimmermann, who graced this world with his lively spirit and boundless love, we bid farewell to a cherished father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Born on July 2, 1939, in Queens, New York, Bobby was a beacon of warmth and humor. He departed peacefully on April 3, 2026, after a brief but courageous encounter with cancer, leaving a legacy of laughter and kindness that will be treasured by all who knew him.
Bobby was the beloved son of Hilbert and Anna Zimmermann, known affectionately as Sam and Zelda, who predeceased him. He also joins his dear sisters Annie, Rose, Dot, Jean, Peggy, and their spouses in eternal rest. His beloved wife and life partner, Sandra ‘Sandy,’ who was his heart's companion, precedes him, and together they now dance among the stars.
Educated at Delehanty High School in Jamaica, New York, Bobby graduated in 1957 and soon after, joined the Coast Guard Reserve, serving with dedication for eight years. A skilled craftsman, Bobby built saunas before becoming a NYC union carpenter, and also pursued a lesser-known passion, earning a degree in acupuncture.
Bobby’s life was a testament to love's enduring power. He met Sandy in 1981, and after a whirlwind 11-month courtship, they married on November 21, a union celebrated in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Their love story blossomed with nightly calls and travels across states and continents. Bobby and Sandy's adventures spanned the U.S., missing only three states, and took them to distant lands, always with friends nearby. Their love was an inspiration, a bond so special that it set a standard for others to aspire to.
A man of many talents and interests, Bobby was an active member of the East Rockaway Anglers, Knights of Columbus, and a devoted season ticket holder of the NY Jets. Fishing, particularly with his ‘brother’ and friends, was one of his great joys, and his boat, the ‘Lady Boomer,’ was a testament to his love for the sea. A meticulous keeper of his lawn, Bobby’s John Deere was always polished to perfection. In recent years, he embraced swimming, methodically counting his 20 laps each morning.
Bobby’s humor was legendary; whether donning a coconut bra at a wedding rehearsal or spreading cheer in an elf outfit, he brought joy to all occasions. His laughter was infectious, and his heart was big. He was a caring husband, doting father, steadfast friend, and a man who lived his life with passion and humor.
He leaves behind a loving family: his children, Lee Figueroa and husband Carlos, Mark Eugley, and Beth Mirowsky with husband Nick ‘Nicky’; his cherished granddaughters, Shannon Garber (RC), Cheyanne Alba, Tiffany Jara (Rudy), and Alexandra ‘Mouse’ Aroyo; and his treasured great-grandsons, Dominic and Rudy Jr.; his brother, Hilbert ‘Hilly’ Zimmermann and wife Witta, along with a vast extended family including Chel Ramsey, David and Cathy Sleeper, Pam Sleeper, Renee and Robert Kennedy, and numerous nieces and nephews, will carry his memory forward. His circle of friends, too numerous to name, will forever feel his absence.
A celebration of Bobby’s life will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Burpee Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St, Rockland, ME. For those unable to attend, a livestream will be available on Bobby’s Book of Memories at http://www.bchfh.com. Interment will be held immediately after at Village Cemetery, Dublin Road, South Thomaston. A celebration of life reception will follow at the Owl's Head Transportation Museum 117 Museum St, Owls Head, ME 04854. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bobby’s memory may be made to the Swim Para Todos Foundation, supporting a cause close to his heart. Contributions can be sent to Bonnie Monroe, Swim Para Todos, 1536 SE 15 Ct, #701 Deerfield Beach, FL 33441, or through PayPal at paypal.me/bmgmonroe.
In our hearts, Bobby’s laughter will continue to echo, his love will be a guiding light, and his spirit will remain a part of us forever.
