In Memoriam: Robert Geib

Bob Geib enlarge

Bob Geib

Robert "Bob" Geib of Aquebogue, N.Y., a master welder in Brookhaven Lab's Site Resources Division, died on May 28, 2014. He was 60 years old.

Geib was born in Huntington, N.Y., and was a graduate of Walt Whitman High School.

He first arrived at Brookhaven Lab on Nov. 5, 1979, joining the Central Shops Division as a master welder. Central Shops Division changed names over the years and is now the Fabrication Group within Site Resources Division. He eventually became a shop steward.

“Bob was the guy whose glass was always half full, he always had a positive outlook on things," recalled Al Farland, Geib's friend and manager. "He was a great welder and craftsman, and his peers looked up to him. No doubt, Bob was an asset to the shop and he will be missed.”

Geib's brother Richard, who also works in the Site Resources Division, recalled him as an active member of the bargaining unit and a conscientious union safety representative.

"Bob helped many in his group deal with injury-related and injury-prevention issues," Richard said. "He was always there for his union brothers and sisters."

John Wilson, a fellow welder, recalled Geib as a co-worker and friend.

"Bob was a mentor and a teacher, and he had a lifelong thirst for knowledge," John recalled. "He was a close friend you respected and trusted."

Fellow welder Walter Ducoing said he would remember Geib's "larger than life" personality, and how he was committed to making the Lab a safe place for everyone.

"Bob had a great sense of humor and you could hardly have a conversation with him without having a couple of laughs," Ducoing said. "He was always ready to share with and assist his co-workers. Bobby readily embraced the Lab's safety culture, and he wasn't shy about challenging anyone to be safer."

Ducoing also said he'd remember Geib for his toughness and care.

"In the shop we knew Bob had a heart of gold," he said.

Surviving Geib are his wife Susan Cataldo; his children Kelly Geib of Yaphank and David Geib of San Francisco; his siblings Richard Geib of Southold, William Geib of Greenlawn, and Patti Anne Serrabella of Dunedin, Fla.; and a grandson, James Robert Geib.

Memorial donations may be made in Geib’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Hospice Inn.

Tags: personnel

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