Robert was born in Queens, New York, with his twin sister (who is still alive) on September 18, 1924. He joined the Navy in December 1942 and was aboard the Ticonderoga when it was hit by a kamikaze. Robert worked as an engineer for the New York Bell Telephone Company. He married the love of his life and had four beautiful daughters. He retired from biking at the age of 95 after completing 100,000 miles and still lives independently.