Robert Spitz passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at the age of 89 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Carole Parelman Gelphman Spitz, on March 31, 2019. Prior to their move to New Orleans, they had resided in Kansas City, Missouri, for many years and also Dallas, Texas, and Raleigh, North Carolina.
Robert was born on July 27, 1929, in Budapest, Hungary.
Robert was a Holocaust survivor. In 1944, at age 14, he was captured and sent to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Being fluent in seven languages, he worked for the U.S. Army in Germany for three years as a translator after liberation.
At age 19, Robert was granted U.S. citizenship and served in the Army National Guard for three consecutive terms. He worked in the textile industry in various capacities in Kansas City and then in Dallas before retiring to Raleigh. He enjoyed opera and classical music, was a historian, avid reader and animal lover.
He is survived by his sons: Steven (Patricia) New Orleans, Louisiana; David Gelphman (Leslie) Aptos, California; and daughters: Lori McDonald (Scott) Sanibel, Florida; Susan Gelphman, Dallas, and Janet Gelphman, Dallas; grandchildren: Jack, Megan, Amelia and Laura Rose; and brother-in-law Dr. Allen Parelman (Jean), Kansas City, Missouri.
A memorial service is to be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of choice.
Condolences may be left online for the family at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.