Longtime Babylon and Bay Shore resident Robert "Bobby" Blossom died Nov. 1, 2008. He was 86 years old.

He was born in New York City to Edna and Sumner Blossom. When he was two years old, his family moved to a home on Woodsome Road in Babylon. He graduated from Babylon High School, Deerfield Academy and Tufts University.

During World War II, Mr. Blossom served overseas in the Merchant Marines and later moved to Awixa Avenue in Bay Shore, where he lived for more than 50 years.

"He just loved to be near the water," said his longtime companion Marilyn Winter who added that he could also fix almost anything and was a gifted woodworker.

In addition to Ms. Winter, Mr. Blossom also leaves behind his sister, Beth Blossom from Sayville, and his nephews: Robert of Manhattan and Christopher in Olympia, Washington.

The memorial service was held Nov. 22, 2008 at the Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, West Islip. Private cremation followed.

Donations in Mr. Blossom's name can be sent to the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, Captree Island, 8C, Babylon, New York 11702 or to the Suffolk County Marine Museum, 86 West Ave., W. Sayville, N.Y. 11796.