I Will Miss You Bob

One Writer's Memory Of Captain Bob Tuma

by Patria Baradi Pacis

The passing of fisherman Robert Charles Tuma on November 1, 2008 leaves a huge void in the Village of Montauk and the fishing community. Captain Bob Tuma is one of the most beloved captains and pioneers of Montauk.

I got to know my friend Bob at the Montauk Senior Citizen's Nutrition Center by going to lunch with my 98 years young Mom. Often, except when he sat at the "all boys" table, I would motion for Bob to sit next to me and my husband. We would then have a nice chat about current events or what was happening with the fishing industry in Montauk, such as the ridiculous increase in fuel prices or the latest limitations on the size of fish, or the amount fishermen can keep.

Although most of us knew Bob was ill, Bob hardly ever showed it nor complained about it. On good days, he would be all smiles and would talk a lot. On bad days, he would be quiet and I would notice that he did not have much of an appetite. Every day, he would bring his bottle of coke and drink it with his meals. Just a few weeks ago, Bob got up from his seat, (he was sitting with the boys that day) to bring me the food he did not touch. Bob knew that I brought plastic containers with me to bring home food that I could not finish. I would try and coax him to eat more but Bob would stubbornly say he had had enough. I remember how deeply touched I felt for the kind gesture he made to me.

On Tuesdays, when there is Bingo after lunch, I would try and get him to stay but he would say, "Naa......" Then he would ask me what the next day's menu was and we would both look at the board. Depending on whether he liked the food or not, he would say; "See you tomorrow, Pat."

Many times, I would watch him walk to his truck and we would wave each other goodbye. One day, I brought my camera to the Center and asked him to pose for me. Bob surprised me by sticking his tongue out at me. We both had a big laugh. Men like Bob never want to make a big fuss about themselves. After much begging, Bob reluctantly posed and gave me his million-dollar smile.

More often than not, good men like my friend Bob, leave this world before anyone could show their appreciation. I am glad that the Montauk community was able to let him know how much he is loved by the many organizations that honored him: The Montauk Boatmen and Captains' Association for his 60 years of service to the charter fishing and the organization. The first "Captain of the Year" award by the East Hampton Kiwanis Club and the Montauk Lions Club. Bob's 23 years service at the Montauk's Fire Department showed how much he loved Montauk.

The last official gathering I saw Bob at was in June when he was honored by the Montauk Chamber Of Commerce for being one of the eight old timer captains of Montauk. The standing room only crowd at the Library last July featured a film that showed how much Bob meant to the community. I am glad that his daughter, Debbie had enough foresight to make a documentary movie for the world to take notice. I remember proudly covering the affair for the Pioneer and asking Bob for his autograph next to his picture after the article was published the following week.

I've known Debbie for many years now. We got to know each other through our writings for the Montauk Pioneer and the affairs we attended on and off work. When we met in Sag Harbor at the Best of the Best Awards 2008 last October 8, we hugged and congratulated each other for receiving the award for Best Reporter. The next day, I asked Bob why he didn't come. He said, "Debbie gets plenty of awards. She works very hard and long hours." I knew that Bob was proud of Debbie from the twinkle that came out of his hypnotic, blue, eyes. Bob loved fishing and flying but most of all he loved his family very much.

My heart aches for Debbie, her sister, Wendy, daughter, Cahleigh and the rest of the Tuma family. Hopefully they will get through the difficult days ahead knowing that his friends truly loved him. One consolation is that Bob will be with Sybil, their mother and grandmother, his wife of 58 years, his brother Burt and his parents Charles and Johanna and those who have passed on.

I will miss you Bob. I will miss your smile. If I knew you were an Arthur Murray Dance Instructor, I would have asked you to come and teach us at the Senior Citizen's Prom night. Thank you for being my friend. Although you will not be here physically, you will always be in our hearts. Till we meet again. Happy fishing.

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