Robert Seewaldt, an East Williston resident and owner of the popular Robert’s Mens and Boys Wear in Mineola, recently passed away at the age of 87. Seewaldt owned and operated Robert’s for the past 64 years and was a proud contributing member of the Mineola community for many years.
Also known as the unofficial mayor of Mineola, Seewaldt was the beloved husband of the late Catherine, father of Cathy Lou and Lou Ann and cherished grandfather of Christopher Robert, Catie, Vincent and Victor.
Seewaldt’s passing can be felt throughout the Mineola community. Mayor Scott Strauss has fond memories of Seewaldt since he worked at Robert’s as a teenager.
“Robert hired me to work in his store when I was 15 years old,” said Strauss. “I stayed with the family for five great years leaving only to enter the police academy. I learned a great deal from Robert, things I still use to this day. I watched how he interacted with people, how he listened to people and learned how to run a successful business.”
Strauss said Seewaldt always welcomed people into the store not to make a sale, but to just talk and have a conversation.
“Nothing went on without Robert knowing about it or being involved in making it happen,” said Strauss. “Robert’s was the focal point of Jericho Turnpike and of Mineola. Robert was a great man and a great friend who raised a wonderful family and built a great hometown business that continues to thrive.”
Trustee Paul Cusato also has fond memories of Seewaldt.
“I knew Robert for many, many years,” said Cusato. “Robert’s was only five doors away from my parent’s store, Mineola Music. There was a great relation between those two families where they’d go to dinner. It’s a deep loss for me as well.”
Seewaldt’s visitation was held at Cassidy Funeral Home in Mineola and was entombed at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury.
