May His Soul Rest In Peace

Age 81

Robert Hollweg

Family Eulogy

4/9/2024 

Robert William Hollweg (81) was born in Queens, NY to Henry John Hollweg and Isabelle Cooke. He was the grandson to ice cream makers and owners of Hollweg Confectionary, Fredrick Wilhelm Hollweg and Margaret Schwartz of Dover, NJ.

Growing up largely in the Bronx, NY, he served in the church choir and as an altar boy at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. He went on to attend Cathedral Preparatory Seminary on 87th St and West End Ave. in Manhattan, a minor seminary which combined four years of high school with two years of collegiate studies in preparation for the priesthood. After four years of high school and one year of seminary, he transferred to Fordham University to complete his undergraduate degree. He excelled in math with a very analytical mind, however, pursued a degree in English to challenge himself. He supported his way through college by working at a local A&P grocery store, stocking shelves with friends. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate degree from Fordham University Law school and became a major benefactor to his alma mater.

After law school he worked at a small firm for a year, at which time a friend led him to a job opening at a small unknown company that helped people live healthier lives and lose weight, named Weight Watchers. It was at this same time, one last chance beach outing at the end of the summer of 1968 would change his life forever. On September 7th, 1968, while hanging out at the beach with friends, he met the love of his life, Irene Knutson. He continued to pursue her as he fell more in love with her and her family. They were engaged on April 10, 1969 and married later that year on June 28th.

Their marriage brought Bob, a true city boy from the Bronx to suburban Long Island. They first lived in an apartment in Oyster Bay, where they welcomed their first “child”, a black miniature poodle named Sveinung. Their family began to expand when they were blessed with two boys, Robert and Thomas, before they moved out to Huntington, NY, to be closer to Irene’s family. They went on to welcome two more boys, John and Christopher, to complete their beautiful family. As an only child himself, he deeply appreciated the large extended Knutson family as it became his own. He had a mutual affection for his in-laws and was well loved by all.

Bob and Irene raised their four boys lovingly, grounded in their faith and actively involved in their church, Huntington Assembly of God. He was so proud of his sons and all of their achievements, making every effort to attend any game or swim meet, often taking photos from the stands. As photography was a hobby of his, he would purchase matching outfits for his sons every Christmas and take professional quality photos of them each year for their annual Christmas cards. He was known for having numerous slide decks and albums documenting all the memorable events of their family. He continued to support his grandchildren at any sporting event, concert, graduation and achievement, often with his camera in hand.

Professionally, he advanced within Weight Watchers over his 37 year tenure with the company. He initially joined the company in 1969 as an Assistant Counsel in the law department. Subsequent to Heinz' acquisition of Weight Watchers in 1978, he transferred to the H.J. Heinz Company law department and served there in various capacities. He went on to ultimately become the General Counsel and Secretary of Weight Watchers International from January 1998, until his retirement in 2006. He was very active and influential in the International Trademark Association, even serving as their president for a time. He remained involved in many other professional boards including those of the Fordham Law School, the Forum of Life Culture and Society, the American and New York Bar Associations.

Bob has been an active member of Huntington Assembly of God for over 50 years and a deacon for over 40 years. He has been intimately involved with nearly every church activity, including projects both large and small. This included the planning, construction and ongoing operations of the newest church building, which was opened in 2012. As a result he is affectionately known by his church family as “Bob the builder”. But Bob’s greatest impact has been in sharing and demonstrating the love of Jesus both individually and within small group discussions. Perhaps the most special of which is the one every Tuesday night, which he would spend praying and opening God’s word with his sons for the last several years. Bob always had a stack of Bibles in the back of his pickup truck, ready to give to anyone who needed one.

Above all else, Bob loved Jesus and this love overflowed into every relationship of his life, especially his marriage, and in his relationships with his sons, daughters-in-law and his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. But we take comfort in knowing that he is at home with his Lord, the one He lived for.

Beloved husband of Irene. Loving father of Robert, Thomas (Gina), John (Marina) and Christopher (Angelica). Cherished grandfather of Georgia, Irini, Alexandra, Thomas, Michael, Emma, Mirabelle, Andrew and Evaline.

Arrangements for Robert Hollweg:
Visitation: Wednesday 4/10, 5-9pm Celebration Service starting at 7pm Huntington Assembly of God 1700 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746
Funeral: Thursday 4/11, begin gathering at 9:30am, service 10-10:30am Huntington Assembly of God 1700 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746
Burial: Huntington Rural Cemetery 555 New York Ave Huntington, New York 11743

Below is a link to virtually watch the Celebration of Life service for Bob this evening, for anyone who cannot be there in person. You may share the link with whomever may be interested. Tonight will be the main service and tomorrow’s funeral service will be more brief, if anyone is interested in attending. Thank you, Angelica

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLw7mPguQjs

Acknowledgements