Robert Burke Magnus, Jr. passed away peacefully on Dec. 30, 2024, in Rye.
Born in Brooklyn on Oct. 16, 1931, he was the son of Robert B. Magnus, Sr. and Doris (Mellon) Magnus Fischetti.
Known to many as Bob, he was a proud graduate of Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn. He continued his education at Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts, and graduated with the Class of 1954 from Johns Hopkins University. While at Johns Hopkins, Bob was a dedicated member of the men’s lacrosse team, excelling as a goalie. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957.
Bob spent his entire career in the flavor and fragrance industry. He began at Magnus, Maybee, and Reynard, Inc., a family business in Brooklyn, where he worked alongside his father and two uncles. Later, he joined Norda, Inc., an essential oils and chemical company, before a long and successful tenure at Quest International, a division of Unilever, where he served as Vice President. Even after retirement, Bob remained involved in the industry, consulting for several years – a testament to his passion for the work he loved. Throughout his career, Bob was recognized for his exceptional salesmanship, honesty, and integrity.
On Nov. 28, 1964, Bob married the love of his life and best friend, Mary Roche Mason, originally from Houghton, Michigan. Together, they shared six decades of marriage, recently celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving Day. Bob and Mary started their married life living in Peter Cooper Village in New York City and then moved to Ridgewood, New Jersey where they raised their family. They were very involved and active members of the community they loved so dearly. They later lived in Wyckoff, New Jersey, and then retired to Brunswick, Maine, where they built many cherished friendships. In 2015, Bob and Mary moved to The Osborn in Rye, where they quickly embraced their new community, making wonderful friends and participating in The Osborn’s many activities.
Bob was a former member of the Ridgewood Country Club, which he and Mary thoroughly enjoyed for many years. While living in Maine, Bob became deeply involved with the Maine State Music Theatre, serving as a board member and later as president of the board. At The Osborn, he took great pride in serving as president of the Sterling Park Residents Association, working closely with staff and fellow residents to enhance their shared community.
Bob’s love of sports was unparalleled. A lifelong fan of New York teams, he was a devoted and loyal season ticket holder of the New York Giants, Rangers, Yankees, and Knicks, with the Giants always holding a special place in his heart. He and Mary spent countless Sundays cheering on their beloved Giants. They hosted legendary tailgate parties for their friends and family. Bob loved to entertain and made a famous pitcher of whiskey sours on game days.
Another of Bob’s passions was attending Broadway shows with Mary, his family, and friends. Musicals were his absolute favorite – a love that continued during his time with the Maine State Music Theatre.
Nothing brought Bob more joy or pride than his family and friends. His role as “Pop Pop” to his grandchildren was one he cherished deeply, and he was their biggest fan in all of their endeavors. Bob will be forever remembered for his kindness, generosity, and the joy he brought to those around him. His big smile, hearty laugh, unwavering integrity, faith, and heartfelt devotion to family and friends leaves a lasting legacy.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, and their three children: Elisabeth M. Mitchell (Barry) of Rye, R. Burke Magnus, III (Colleen) of Burlington, Connecticut, and Lucy M. Magnus of Stamford, Connecticut. He is also survived by his five adoring grandchildren: Barry P. Mitchell, III; R. Burke Magnus, IV; Margaret M. Mitchell; Quinn H. Magnus; and John M. Mitchell. He was predeceased by his parents, his stepfather, Frank J. Fischetti, and his sister, Isabelle M. Pilskaln.
To honor Bob’s life, family and friends gathered on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 at Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home in Mamroneck. The funeral mass was scheduled for Monday, Jan. 6, 2025 at The Church of the Resurrection in Rye, followed by private family-only interment at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn.
Memorial donations in Bob’s honor can be sent to Maine State Music Theater (www.msmt.org): 22 Elm Street, Brunswick, ME 04011 (Phone: 207-725-8769); or The V Foundation (www.V.org): 14600 Weston Place, Cary, NC 27513 (Phone: 919-380-9505).
