Robert Szczarba, 78

Robert Henry Szczarba, 78, of New Haven, formerly of Bethany, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends. He was the beloved husband of Arlene Szczarba. Born in Dearborn, Michigan on November 27, 1932, he was the son of the late Julia and Michael Szczarba.

Bob received a BS in physics from the University of Michigan and his Masters and PhD in mathematics from the University of Chicago. He joined the Yale faculty of Mathematics in 1960. His devotion to teaching is attested to by the large number of his former students, both here and abroad. In addition to his teaching and research, he served the mathematics department in numerous administrative roles: Director of Undergraduate Studies, Director of Graduate Studies, and Department Chairman. From 1990 to 1995, he served the University as Deputy Provost for The Physical Sciences and Engineering.

Bob’s gifts are not limited to the sciences. He was also an accomplished sculptor; he welded his love of mathematics and art, creating sculpture with a mathematical flavor. He was commissioned to create several works: ​“Three Pentagons” which was presented to Mathematical Association of America in Washington DC for their 75th anniversary; ​“Continents.” which graces the entrance to the Yale Center for International and Area Studies at Luce Hall on Hillhouse Avenue. His exhibitions include his work featured at The Creative Arts Workshop, The Yale Physicians Building, Whitney Center, and the New Haven Lawn Club. 

While living in Bethany, Bob and Arlene were active in the community almost 20 years. They fostered many treasured friendships and raised their children there. Bob served on on the Town’s Finance Committee and was a coach in the Bethany Athletic Association. Moving to New Haven, they continued their staunch generous support of the arts working closely with The Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven, where Bob learned sculpting. Arlene and Bob started a Parkinson’s Dance Class at The Neighborhood Music School. Bob has many friends in the Art’s community.

Bob enjoyed music, film, sports, and the arts. An avid athlete, he loved to play tennis and squash, and enjoyed playing with family and friends on his Bethany tennis court. He loved to watch baseball, golf and tennis, supporting professional tennis in New Haven at Yale from day one. His love of music including bluegrass and folk led him to playing and enjoying the banjo and guitar. A lover of film and the arts, Bob spent an immeasurable amount of time watching movies and visiting museums. One of his favorite areas to visit was Storm King Sculpture Park outside of Poughkeepsie NY.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Arlene; his son Gary and his wife Susan of Wilmington, DE; his daughter Cheryl and her husband Bart Connors of New Haven; his sister Rosemarie Riley of Plymouth ​‚MI, his granddogs Chyna and Zippy, and his grandcat Emby.

The family would like to thank his aides who so wonderfully cared for him over the past year as well as the home hospice support offered by everyone at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. A special thank you to Onita Hayward, his aide and friend who has been by his side for over 6 years.

In lieu of flowers, or other considerations donations can be made to New Haven’s Creative Arts Workshop, Long Wharf Theater, or the Neighborhood Music School.

A memorial celebration will be held at a date and place to be determined in the spring of 2012.