Robert C. Hlavaty

On Monday, May 6, 2019, beloved father, youngest brother, and friend, Robert Costello Hlavaty, passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family and close friends. 

Several days before his passing, Robert expressed his desire to not spoil a lifetime of fun and adventure with months of suffering.   So, he left life the way he lived, peacefully, while listening to Bob Dylan's, "Forever Young."  

Robert lived his life doing what he loved.  He traveled with his long time friends performing in their rock and roll band.  In music, Robert was a Renaissance man, he played the piano, violin, lead guitar, and drums.  

Shortly after the birth of his first child , Scott, Robert left the traveling band and worked as a seaman and later as a ship's captain. 

After several close calls in giant seas, Robert returned to terra firma and worked as a builder and project manager with his brother, Neil G. Hlavaty, now deceased.

Although not a man of great wealth, Robert bequeathed this world far greater wealth than the trillions left by the captains of industry in their multibillion dollar, dead hand foundations.  Instead, he left the world priceless gifts, his  beautiful and gifted daughter Carly Hlavaty; his talented eldest son Scott Hlavaty, a musician, daredevil surfer, and front yard horticulturist; his son Kerry Hlavaty, a new father, business manager, and an immensely loving and wise cracking, nascent stand-up comedian.  Most importantly, he left the world with three compassionate and responsible human beings.

In addition to his three children, Robert is survived by his three grand children, his eldest sister Katherine Delahaunty (James), his sister Laurette Berry (Jonathan), his older brother John Hlavaty (Laurie), his nephews David Berry, Peter Berry, and Alexander Hlavaty Glazebrook, and his niece Elizabeth Delahaunty.

Robert left many of us with treasured gifts: memories of the golden child, the music of a gifted musician, a seafarer's love of the oceans, innumerable good times, and the solace of knowing the most loving and lovable brother, father, uncle, and friend any human being could have hoped for. 

Although Robert's peaceful soul kept him from engaging in the contentious polemics tearing at the fabric of our divided society, in his heart he was one of us, the peaceful  opposition, a rebel on a wing.

Rest in peace, Robert.  We will miss your friendly smiles, your sense of humor, your goodness, and your easy going ways.

Memorial visitation at Bryant Funeral Home, 411 Old Town Road and Nesconset Highway, East Setauket, New York, Thursday, June 16th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  (See  Bryant Funeral Home website)