Robert William Luckow
May 18, 1947 - September 24, 2025
Robert William Luckow, 78 years old of Wyckoff, NJ died suddenly Wednesday, September 24, 2025 after a wonderful life. He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Audrey J. Luckow (Spiotto), daughter and the apple of his eye, Stefanie Luckow Hawkinson, son-in-law, Adam Hawkinson, and the light of his life, grandsons Erik William and James Michael Hawkinson, as well as the large, extended families of his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Stella Luckow, brother Michael Paul Luckow, and nephew Michael Robert Luckow.
Born May 18, 1947, Bob’s early childhood was modest. He grew up on the streets of the lower east side, Alphabet City, playing stickball with his brother, Michael, and friends. His parents worked hard to provide for the boys, raising them to be competitive, generous, and loving. At age ten, his family moved to Paramus, NJ where he soon thrived as a standout athlete in both football and track and field for the Paramus High School Spartans. Bob earned the nickname “Baby Bull” for his athletic prowess and his dazzling speed. He played to win. Bobby would often say “life is not a dress rehearsal, we are only passing through once” and “I’d rather be ‘LUCKY’ than smart.” Bob was both! He was definitely lucky in love. Bob met in 1978 and later married the love of his life, Audrey J. Spiotto and together they built a life right out of a fairy tale. They moved to Wyckoff where they became prominent members of the community and raised their daughter, Stefanie. They loved doing everything together. Audrey was by his side until the very end. Bob started his long and distinguished Wall Street career as an employee of NYSE at age 19 (as a squad boy). He was then hired by PV Hall as a clerk. From there, Bobby, as he was known on the floor, joined Seskis & Co. until they were acquired by Spear, Leeds, & Kellogg. Bob became a Specialist and purchased a seat on the New York Stock Exchange in 1977. Bob was a Senior Partner at SLK. He was a force on the floor. His trading acumen was legendary as well as his generosity on the exchange. He was a Governor at the NYSE. Bob was honored at the end of his career by having the privilege of ringing the “Closing Bell” on the floor of the exchange surrounded by his family, friends, and colleagues. Bob served in the National Guard from 1969-1975 and loved his country.
He was a lifelong New York Yankee Fan and you could not miss him sitting in his seats behind home plate with his daughter Stefanie. He loved and took pride that he once threw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium and taking his grandsons to their first World Series game last year was a dream come true. Bob loved all New York sports, however, his favorite sports to watch were any that his grandsons, Erik and James, participated in. Bob was the epitome of the proud grandpa! As comfortable grilling on the pool deck in Delaware as he was at a black-tie affair at the Regis, Bob was a consummate host. Family was everything to him, worth more than anything. Busloads of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and grandsons spent memorable trips to his “happiest place on Earth” – Disney World! Bob firmly believed that the love of family is life's greatest blessing. He lived that every day. A generous philanthropist, Bob and Audrey freely donated money and time to the Valley Health Systems, Villanova University, Holy Angels High School, the Wyckoff Community, Quest Autism Programs, and countless causes that supported and helped so many. His humility meant that many contributions were made anonymously.
The family will receive friends and family on Thursday, October 2, from 3 - 7 pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. A Funeral Service/Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 3, at 10:30 AM at St. Elizabeth of Hungary, 700 Wyckoff Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. Interment will follow at Maryrest Cemetery, 770 Darlington Avenue, Mahwah, NJ.
In his memory, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: 1. Valley Health System: The Robert and Audrey Luckow Cancer Pavilion, 2. Valley Health System: The Michael R. Luckow Heart Center, 3. Quest Autism Programs, Inc.
Posted online on September 27, 2025
Published in Record and Herald News
Stan Cohen (1974)
Through their personal interest and The Luckow Family Foundation, Robert W. and Audrey Luckow have distinguished themselves as philanthropists who have generously supported a variety of worthy causes.
For additional reading, please visit the following links.
Wyckoff residents Robert and Audrey Luckow, their daughter Stefanie and their son-in-law Adam Hawkinson donated $3 million.
About the Luckow Family Endowed Chair in English
Robert Borders (1966)
Bob was a year ahead of me in school, and while we weren't close friends, we knew each other in passing. Every so often, years later, we'd see each other in the supermarket. On one of the occasions, right after my wife passed from cancer, I saw Bob. I told him that I appreciated all that he did and donated to establish The Robert & Audrey Luckow Cancer Pavillion. That made my family and my wife's final days more bearable.
Bob stopped me mid-sentence and said "If I get a comment like that, I can't tell you how much that means to me - more than you'll know." Bob was the ultimate athlete, businessman and gentleman. May you rest in peace Bob.
Bob Borders
Nicole Woolsey (Biggart) (1965)
So many of us growing up in Paramus during the 1950's and 1960's were from families who had put everything they had into raising their children, so that we could have more than they had. Bobby's family was a wonderful example of that parents' dream come true. I can remember being welcomed into the Luckow house by parents who were so proud of their sons. They took the advantage of great love and support and did so much with those irreplaceable resources. Bobby was a talented and joyous young man who grew to be a successful and generous husband, father and community member. How fun it was to know you, Bob, and to enjoy watching you bloom.
John Favero (1966)
John Favero (1966)
I had the privilege and honor to block for the Baby Bull. As an upperclassman he took us under his wing, his leadership skills were evident even then, he lead by example and was a role model for me. He showed me what is was to be a captain of the football team. His legacy as a philanthropist is well known in the North Jersey area, he will be sorely missed .
Dave Samuels (1965)
Bob Luckow great friend and classmate 1965. What an athlete and all around great guy. You will be missed and remembered. Rest in peace my friend. David Samuels
George Kupfrian (1965)
Bobby and I shared many memories on and off the field at PHS. We became friends in high school and continued that friendship throughout the years. I’ll always remember his speed on the field, his three touchdowns in a Cliffside Park game and much more! “Baby Bull” was a very appropriate nickname! Victory parties at his home, hosted by his parents, were always fun!
Though we hadn’t been together much in recent years, whenever we did see each other, it was time well spent with lots of laughter. On a road trip from FL a few years back, we stopped in Rehoboth DE. Knowing Bob and Audrey had a home there, we surprised them with a quick “stop by” which turned into another great afternoon and fun memory.
In the early 90’s, my wife, Lorie (PHS ‘67), created an enrichment program in an elementary school in Paterson and could not have done it if Bobby had not backed it with a considerable amount of startup money.
He was generous, kind and a fellow who truly loved and enjoyed life and passed that spirit on in every aspect of his life. He will be missed, but the impact he made will be lasting. Thank you, Bobby! Our heartfelt sympathy to Audrey, Stefanie and family.
Stan Cohen (1974)
I can highly recommend this facility for outpatient services. My first visit I thought the place was new, fresh, comfortable and well-maintained. I have changed doctors without hesitation to use this facility over another less than quality facility.
Larry Palant (1969)
Small world that it is, my sister Elllen Abrams (Palant) PHS '64 was Bob's wife Audrey's college roommate at Trenton State. Such a loss We see the Luckow name all over Valley Hospital.