Obituary of Robert Marquardt

Robert Marquardt, 80, passed away peacefully at home on September 23 surrounded by his family. Bob was born and raised in Syracuse, the youngest of three children of Frederick Marquardt and Helen Metzger Marquardt. He graduated from Central High School and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University. Bob worked at GE Radar and Sonar Systems for 40 years. He was an eminent circuit designer. Bob helped introduce solid state electronics design principles and practices to the then existing vacuum tube designers. While at GE Bob received three patent awards. He loved his work. After he retired, Bob continued to apply his inventive and resourceful mind to engineering puzzles and concepts, working in his basement laboratory for the sheer enjoyment of it. Bob was a tennis champion all his life, starting with the NYS Boys Championship at age 13. He grew up next to Schiller Park in Syracuse where he spent much of his free time on the tennis courts. Bob won several youth tournaments in Syracuse, competed for Syracuse University, and represented Syracuse for many years in the Marsh Cup. With his favorite tennis partner of 70 years, Harold McGrath, they won the U.S. Senior Games (also known as Senior Olympics) Men's Doubles Championships in 2001, 2003 and 2005. Bob enjoyed fishing, traveling, SU athletics, and cherished his close relationship with his grandsons. He was an avid history buff and adored his constant companion, his dog Brandy. Bob was a very dear and special man who will be greatly missed by family and friends. Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Kathleen (McMoran) Marquardt; his daughter, Maria Biel of Syracuse and her husband Jim; his son Eric of Ithaca; along with beloved grandsons Robert and Ryan Biel; his brother James and wife Nancy of Skaneateles; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving sister Marian Birge of Barneveld, NY. A Memorial Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church in Eastwood at 11:30 a.m. on October 5, 2013. The family will greet friends at the church from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. prior to the service. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Central New York, 990 7th North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088.