Furey, Robert J., MD August 14, 1936 - December 29, 2025

Robert Joseph Furey, MD, FACS, (“Dr. Bob”) of Stuart Florida and New York, passed away peacefully, December 29, 2025, at his cousin Neysa Furey’s home in Bronxville, New York, at the age of 89. A devoted and skilled physician, free-spirited adventurer, and beloved member of numerous close-knit communities, Bob lived a full life marked by service, curiosity, faith, good humor and cheer.

Born in Brooklyn, August 14, 1936, he was the only child of Robert and Mary (Kear) Furey.  After Bob’s father died when he was a child, he and his beloved mother were welcomed into the home of his grandparents James and May Furey, on Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn. There he grew up, not as a solitary only child, but surrounded by his extended family of aunts and uncles who came and went: Ralph, Marie, Ed, George, Andrew and Eileen. While Mary Furey was a wonderful mother, they also had a part in shaping him. He carried their influence throughout his life—especially their loyalty to family, passion for Columbia University football (no matter what their record), their love of physical activity and sports, and staunch belief in the power of a good education.

Bob’s academic journey began at Brooklyn Prep and continued at Columbia University, where he attended as a scholarship student, having to keep up good grades as he played football, baseball, ran track, commuted and worked several jobs to pay for books and expenses.  He went on to earn his medical degree from New York Medical College in 1962. His postgraduate training from 1965 to 1970 included residencies in surgery and radiology at St. Vincent’s Hospital and urology at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center where he was Chief Resident for a year. St. Vincent’s Hospital, where he spent most of his career as an attending physician, provided one of the most meaningful communities in Bob’s life.

As a board-certified urologist practicing primarily in New York City, Dr. Furey was known not only for his clinical expertise but also for his humane practice and dedication to his patients’ wellness. He was a member of the American Urologic Society (AUA) and former president of St. Vincent’s Alumni Association and the Celtic Medical Society.

In addition to his work in the city, where he shared an office with his uncle, Dr. Andrew Furey, Bob served as the seasonal general practitioner for the summer town of Saltaire, Fire Island, NY for over forty years. There he became something of a local legend—treating everything from traumatic boat injuries to Lyme disease (he became an early expert because of the prevalence caused by the high deer population), to splinters with equal parts skill and positivity. His work exemplified his belief in hands on care and the benefits of forming a solid doctor-patient bond.

Bob also proudly served his country as a Captain and doctor in the United State Air Force from 1963 to 1965. He was stationed for part of that time at Thule Air Force Base (now  Pituffik Space Base), situated in Greenland north of the Arctic Circle. His stint included a mission at the top-secret Camp Century, located a hundred feet beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet. His time in Greenland was very challenging, but also the basis for a trove of fascinating stories. He liked to say that he was at Thule for exactly one year, one day, 11 hours and 35 minutes, emphasizing how aware he was of each passing minute.

Outside of medicine, Bob embraced life with energy. He was an avid golfer and skier who loved sailing, biking, and swimming right up through his last year. He also loved fast driving and good cars. But above all, Bob enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his extensive network of friends and family.

During his illness his intellect, curiosity and humor remained intact.  In addition to football (of course), Bob spent his final days watching Ken Burns’ documentary “American Revolution,” always learning, always thinking. He easily connected with members of his medical team at every level and frequently made them laugh. He was comforted during this time by the incredibly attentive and loving aides who took such good care of him and the many affectionate and warm messages, visits and prayers he received from people near and far. He also found deep solace in his Catholic faith.

Bob leaves behind a rich legacy.  He will be remembered not just by his cousins, but by the extraordinary number of close friends from different generations that he made from all walks of life and by the many patients he treated with such care during his lifetime.

Visitation will be on January 9, 2025, from 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM at Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home, 20 Cedar Street, Bronxville.

A Funeral Mass will be held on January 10, 2025, at 09:45 AM at The Church of St. Joseph, 15 Cedar Street, Bronxville. It will be live streamed and recorded on the church’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/churchofsaintjoseph.

Participants are invited to attend Bob’s military burial service at Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY, immediately following the mass.

If you would like to make a donation in Bob’s memory, he supported The Wounded Warrior Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/. The National Brain Tumor Foundation can be found at https://braintumor.org/.