Robert Rambusch

in memoriam

“… zeal for the house of the Lord consumes me”
Psalm 69

The St. Joseph’s community mourns the passing of its dear parishioner Robert Rambusch. Bob passed away at age 93 on Tuesday, May 23 in the hospital, after suffering a heart attack.

An internationally recognized liturgical artist who practiced for decades in his family business, Rambusch Studios, and privately in his later years, he was dedicated to reinterpret the church’s liturgical and artistic patrimony, grounded in its Spirit-filled and inspired heritage. Bob had been a very dedicated volunteer at the Greenwich House Center on the Square Senior Center on Washington Square North, where he was beloved by the community.

Bob was an active and engaged parishioner of St Joseph’s Church for almost his entire long life. During that time, he was actively devoted to St Joseph’s liturgical and social ministries. Following Vatican II, Bob and his wife Nancy were active in helping St. Joseph’s pastoral staff implement the liturgical changes. Among their activities were the development of the roles of adult acolytes and extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist.

He was devoted to the care of the poor and less fortunate, not only in the church’s works of mercy by volunteering in the homeless shelter and soup kitchen, but also in a private more personal way by actively helping individuals in need. Many parishioners will remember his postcards, memorial cards, liturgical calendars, and greeting cards, received with much anticiuation and great joy.

Remembered too, will be Bob’s kindness and great wit, often used to “comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable.”

Bob’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Church in Greenwich Village on Tuesday, June 20 at 10 a.m. His dear friend, Father Michael Perry from the Diocese of Brooklyn, will be the celebrant and preacher.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him.