Robert Donald Cess

Friday, March 3rd, 1933 - Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022

Robert Donald Cess, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University, died March 22, 2022 at his home in Litchfield CT. He was 89. Bob was born in Portland Oregon. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Oregon State University and his Master’s degree from Purdue University. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1959. Bob started as a faculty member, in the department of Mechanical Engineering, at Stony Brook University in 1961. From the 1970’s to 1990’s he published several influential papers on the greenhouse effect and related feedback effects in the earth’s atmosphere. Bob had won numerous awards, including NASA’s highest scientific honor the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal, in 1989. In 2006, he received the Jule G. Charney Award from the Meteorological Society, for his outstanding contributions to our understanding of the science of atmospheric radiation and climate change. Bob Cess, a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore. Each Spring Stony Brook University, at the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, hosts the Bob Cess Symposium, featuring a climate-related lecture given by a distinguished scientist who was influenced by Cess.

Robert Cess’s love of the Alfa Romeo automobile was shown in his meticulous restoration abilities. He delighted in attending car shows and won may medals and trophies. An annual event is held at Stony Brook University, The Concorso d’ Eleganza, a celebration of Italian Vehicle Excellence and Beauty. He leaves behind many friends in various Alfa Romeo Clubs, where he was able to share his knowledge and expertise, and good times, in this hobby.

Robert was predeceased by his wife Patricia of 68 Years. He is survived by his daughter Barbara Moskowitz, husband Lanny; Son Curtis Cess, wife Pamela Cess; and 3 grandsons Ian, wife Julie, Eric, and Colin. He also leaves behind his beloved “comfort cat” Zelda; predeceased by Vito, and Giuseppe. A special thank you, to his various care givers, later in his life, in particular Hilary, Nichole, and Robyn.

At his request, the funeral will be a private gathering, with immediate family, present at time of burial, at East Cemetery, Litchfield, CT. He will be buried next to his wife.