Obituary: Robert Schelin, St. Thomas Aquinas College Dean

From Pizzi Funeral Home

Dr. Robert C. “Doc” Schelin, 76, of Tappan, NY since 1952, passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2022. Born in Jersey City, NJ on June 11, 1945 to the late Gunhild and Carl Schelin. He was the beloved husband of Carol R. Schelin (nee Ricketts), whom he married August 3, 1974 in Belmont, NY. Loving father of Leslie R. Heffernan (nee Schelin) and her husband Clark. Dear brother of the late Carol L. Schelin. He is also survived by many loving family members, friends, students, colleagues and athletes across the spectrum in Tappan, Rockland County and beyond.

Bob received his PhD from SUNY Binghamton in May of 1975. He was the Dean of Student Affairs at St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, where he was also a professor of history and political science, women’s and men’s basketball team rep and Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society advisor.

Robert led a life dedicated to public service. A 50 year life-member of the Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan and was past-president, was Secretary of Commissioners for the Tappan Fire District and most notably, was Tappan’s Santa Claus. He was on the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees and was a member of the RCC Foundation. Robert served on the Town of Orangetown Highway Advisory Committee, the Orangetown Parks and Recreation Committee and the Republican Party Committee. He also volunteered in Wellsville, NY annually at the Ridgewalk and Run and belonged to the Baltic-Framat Chapter of the New Jersey Vasa Order of America.

Robert was a member of the Tappan Reformed Church, Tappan, NY, and was vice-president of the consistory and cemetery chairperson. He was also a Freemason, Stony Point Waywayonda Lodge, Sparkill, NY and the Order of the Eastern Star, Stony Point Chapter 540, Sparkill, NY. He was also a member of the Rotary Club, was past-president of the Blauvelt-Orangeburg Chapter and was a Paul Harris Fellow.

Pizzi Funeral Home handled the arrangements. A funeral service was held Feb. 11 at the Tappan Reformed Church with interment at Tappan Cemetery.

Those who wish may make a donation in Doc’s memory to the Robert Schelin Scholarship Fund, St. Thomas Aquinas College, 125 Rt. 340, Sparkill, NY 10976.