Robert Vergara, 67, of Upper Nyack, NY passed away on January 23, 2022 from complications of multiple myeloma. He maintained a positive spirit and sense of humor throughout his life.
Bob was born in Mount Vernon, NY on February 3, 1954, the son of John and Antoinette (Tina) Vergara. He spent his early childhood in the Bronx before moving with his family to New Rochelle, NY.
He was a gifted photographer who owned and operated All Photographic Services in Orangeburg, NY for over 30 years. Bob loved interacting with his clients and offered diverse types of photography including aerial, architectural, construction progress, fashion and product photos. He flew over a thousand aerial photography missions in one of the busiest air spaces on the planet over New York City.
Additionally, Bob worked in the motion picture industry as a member of Local 600 International Cinematographers Guild. He provided still, movie poster and DVD cover photos for numerous Jonathan Demme films including the remake of “The Manchurian Candidate”, the Neil Young concert film “Heart of Gold”, and “Rachel Getting Married”. The proudest moment of his career came when he stood on a street corner in Manhattan and looked up to see his photo of Meryl Streep staring down at him on a billboard from the film “Ricki and the Flash”.
Bob’s photos have been featured in The NY Times, The LA Times, The Daily News, USA Today, Time, Newsweek, Vogue, Real Simple Magazine and on numerous book and CD covers. His product and packaging photos have been found on the shelves, web pages and in the display windows of Dressbarn, Bed Bath & Beyond, Restoration Hardware, Target and The Container Store. His career gave Bob diverse travel opportunities from the shores of the Pacific in Honolulu to the wind farms in Ellenburg Depot, NY.
Bob served on the board of the American Cancer Society for several years and enjoyed donating his photography services to many charitable organizations.
“Captain Bob” enjoyed boating on the Hudson River with family, friends and his first mate. Summers were filled with sunset cruises, Fourth of July celebrations, fishing and swimming from the deck of his boat, The Gambler.
Hockey was his passion. Bob was a certified USA hockey coach, an assistant coach of the Clarkstown Capitals travel team, as well as founder, player and coach of the Nyack Cowboys ice hockey team for many years. Bob was also an avid NY Rangers, Mets and Jets fan.
Bob is survived by his wife of 37 years, Roxanne Drown, son Dylan Vergara and his partner Emma Reid of New York City, daughter Dana Vergara and her husband Thomas Cleere of Upper Nyack and, his cherished granddaughter Jolene Cleere. Times spent with his children and granddaughter, particularly during the most challenging times of his illness, brought him unimaginable joy. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Richard and Carol Vergara of Hartsdale, NY, brother Michael Vergara of New York City, brother John Vergara of New Rochelle, his sisters-in-law, Brenda Drown of Cadyville, NY and Andrea Infante of Plattsburgh, NY, and several nieces and nephews. He adored his family and was compelled to be the entertainment director during gatherings with family and friends. Bob was also known for his legendary Super Bowl parties.
Bob was at ease with people from all walks of life. He made a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of meeting him. Bob was a natural story teller with genuine wit and an inimitable style. As he often said, he was the funniest of his brothers and his mother’s favorite. He had a never-ending desire and incredible ability to bring people together with laughter and love. Bob will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
Calling hours will be held at Hannemann Funeral Home in Nyack, NY from 3-7pm on Thursday, January 27, 2022. A celebration of Bob’s life will take place in the summer of 2022.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.