Remembering Robert Sarnoff

By Katie McFadden

On Friday, May 15, Robert Sarnoff, an award-winning writer, artist and filmmaker and a longtime Rockaway resident, died. He was 87.

Sarnoff had lived in Rockaway since 1971. His last film project, “THE BLOCK,” was featured in a story in The Rockaway Times in January 2024. The documentary featured interviews with his neighbors on Beach 138th Street. His previous film, “THE ROMEOWS (Retired Older Men Eating Out Wednesdays),” received The Queens World Film Festival Filmmaker Award. In addition to filmmaking, Sarnoff was also a writer of plays and books, with his last book, “Notes From The Crack Between Two Beds,” published in 2022. Notably, Sarnoff was also a longtime artist, specializing in watercolor paintings, featured in several exhibits, and cartoons, with much of his work published in The Wave for 15 years.

Originally from Brooklyn, Sarnoff was a graduate of Brooklyn College who became an art teacher at George Gershwin Jr. High and John Dewey High School for more than 30 years, and he retired as Assistant Principal of the CEC alternative program for homeless students.

Sarnoff leaves behind his beloved wife of more than 53 years, Lynda, a son and daughter, four grandchildren, and a resume full of award-winning works. For more information on his accomplishments, see: www.RobertSarnoff.com