Robert Joseph Moskowitz

He was the devoted son of Adele Moskowitz and the late Milton Moskowitz (d. 1986) and loving brother of Susan Volchok. Growing up in Flushing, Queens, in a family of musicians, he mastered an eclectic array of instruments and musical styles. He graduated Francis Lewis High School and honed his musical skills at Cornell University for classical bassoon, and then Boston's Berklee College of Music where he played piano, blues harp, guitar and saxophone.

Robert was an accomplished vocalist, pianist, songwriter, arranger and producer. He showcased these diverse talents on his 7 album releases, the most recent being "Reflected Back," a collection of songs written by Grammy award winning songwriter Hugh Prestwood. Robert even had a longstanding friendship with Prestwood, who admired Robert's musicianship. He held extended residencies at some of New York City's most elegant venues, including the Top Of The Tower at the Beekman Tower Hotel, the Water Club, and most recently, the historic Bemelman's Bar at The Carlyle Hotel, where he was a featured solo and trio performer.

Known for his sensitive vocal and piano interpretations of pop standards and original songs, he attracted a large and loyal following of listeners throughout his career of over 45 years. Robert's stage presence was soulful yet mellow, and incredibly charming. When he "could get away with it," he occasionally blended his musical talent, wit and signature playfulness, as he seamlessly included wordplay and comedic rhythmic changes into his performances, which earned him big laughs from his fellow musicians and the audience. Robert’s viral performances at Bemelman’s include Multiple videos on social media of Robert conversing with regular, Sir Paul McCartney, who has expressed appreciation for his music on multiple occasions.. This was a thrill for him, as an avid, lifelong Beatles fan who introduced his kids to the band at a young age. Robert also delivered an impromptu trio performance of the song “Brandy” by Through the Looking Glass with actor Bill Murray the song’s writer, Elliot Lurie, which was covered by the New York Post. Robert has also been featured in several glowing write-ups from the The Boston Globe, and The New York Times. 

Away from the stage and studio, Robert was a dedicated husband of 39 years to Sarah Yuster, an adoring father to their children, Ian and Nora and a loving grandfather to his grandchildren, Max and Finnian. He also shared a special and loving bond with his mother, Adele Moskowitz, his sister, Susan Volchok, his niece, Rosanna Volchok, and his cousin, David Moskowitz.

Robert's optimism and resourcefulness were unmatched. After facing a layoff in 2012 due to the destruction of Hurricane Sandy, he spent his time fulfilling a lifelong dream of learning to sail. He took sailing lessons from TASCA, a volunteer-run organization in Flushing, Queens and earned his American Sailing Association certification. He then acquired an old sailboat for $500 which he restored himself using YouTube videos and old manuals. Soon, he became a member of the Richmond County Yacht club where he spent many joyful summers sailing with family and friends.

Robert found his greatest joy in being present with others. Whether he was catching up with friends, chatting at work, or on one of his many adventurous trips to Greece with his wife Sarah, he reveled in other's delight, enjoyment and accomplishments. His greatest interest and affection was for the people integral to his life — their backstories, families and personal travails.