My thoughts go out to Pat, Natalie and the Jacobs family. I shall greatly miss Dr. Jacobs. I've been a patient of his for nearly 30 years. Dr. J was always caring and compassionate. He wanted the best for us patients. Rest in peace, Dr. Jacobs.
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My condolences and heart goes out to Pat, Natalie and Rachel.
I will never forget the first time I spoke with Robert 10 years ago. He had called me about a mutual patient and wanted to know what I was doing to make her feel better and try it himself. I initially thought to myself, “Oh boy, hopefully he won’t think I am too out there,” but was amazed how we then went on to have a fabulously flowing 1-hour conversation. This was the start to our countless discussions, co-treats, emails and text messages as we learned and worked together over the next 10 years. It was a truly special bond that we shared, and I am going to miss him so much.
Robert was an excellent listener, curious, patient and very empathetic with his patients. They all loved and respected him just as I always did, do and will. He has left a long legacy of caring service to many people and his life will live on through them, friends and family.
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My heart is broken over this news. My deepest condolences to Pat, Natatie, and the whole Jacobs family. Dr. Jacobs impacted my life tremendously in such positive way in just a couple of years. It truly shows how incredible of a man he was. He was always positive, kind, compassionate, so very genuine, empathetic, and of course so much more. We bonded over both going to Walt Whitman High School, but of course 100 years apart (I'd like to remind him). Once I got my standard poodle Milo, he would share pictures of his super cute poodle he had when Natalie and Rachel were growing up. Dr. Jacobs wasn't just any doctor, he was one of a kind because he cared so much. I am blessed to have known him and have gotten his help.
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So very sorry to read of this. Dr. Jacob's was a kind and vital source of hope and healing following my TBI. He inspired capability and confidence at a critical time in my recovery. My deepest sympathy to Pat and Natalie and family.
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We are stunned and devastated. So very very sorry for your loss Pat and Natalie! He changed the direction of Daniel's life. At 25 he's now a respected software developer including breakthrough cognitive support devices for people with disabilities, which is covered by Medicaid. Couldn't have helped thousands of people with self-expression, independence, and decision making without Dr. Jacobs' compassionate and expert intervention 10 years ago when everyone told me to teach him Braille.
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I still remember when Dr. Jacobs advised me to look in the mirror and tell myself out loud "I'm going to knock their socks off" for my first optometry school interview way back in 1994. We would go on to share office space for many years before I became a true associate in our current practice modality. Dr. J truly loved and cared deeply for each and every patient and it was inspiring to witness his patient interactions and his ability to listen and educate on a daily basis. Besides his family and DC sports, vision and its impact on human performance were his passions and he impacted and changed countless lives.
Dr. Jacobs (as I still call him even after 23 years of being colleagues) emulated his mentors, the late Dr. Robert Kraskin and Dr. Harry Wachs, and although he is not nearly as well-known as those two Hall of Famers, he was also an all-time great - he just got there in his own quiet and humble way. His compassion, knowledge, curiosity, and generosity will be greatly missed.
Rest in peace, Dr. Jacobs. You've left an enormous legacy.
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I had 2 appointments with Dr. Jacobs ,and in that short time he made an enormous impression. He listened, he questioned and we dialogued . He was a true professional, knowledgeable and kind. I’m grateful for these meetings.
I send my condolences and blessings to his family .
Dr. Jacobs - Rest in peace.
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I had the great fortune to interact with Robert at the KISS meetings in DC over the last several years. When he posed questions, he often opened up new arenas of thought and consideration for me, integrating the discussion with a far larger set of knowledge and understanding. I could listen to him speak off-hand on the patterns he observed for hours, and I would barely feel the time pass. Colleagues naturally flocked around him, sparked and nurtured by his blend of curiosity, probing discussions, and open-hearted sharing. He was a compassionate doctor, an insightful colleague, and a generous soul. His passing is truly a loss to our field and our behavioral/developmental optometry community.
It is also a loss to me personally: I had just enlisted in a process of education with him as his patient, wishing to learn from his model of Optometry/Postural Restoration PT collaboration; COVID cut our plans short -- I saw Robert and met his supportive family at the office on his last day of operation before the 2020 shut down. Although I had come to Robert to learn from his wisdom, he turned the tables and started probing to learn from mine as well, during our visit. His hunger for understanding and learning was a beautiful catalyst for all in his presence.
I am so deeply saddened by his loss, and I can only imagine how difficult this time is and will be for his loving family, close friends, collaborators in practice, and those who were fortunate to know him well. Wishing peace and light upon his path, and love and strength to his family.
In sympathy,
Samantha Slotnick
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I've known Robert for almost 60 years. I have wonderful memories of so many things we did together. He taught me and the guys we hung around with so much about many things, especially golf, exercise and nutrition. Only six weeks ago we played golf and had dinner together. He was always kind to everyone and I will miss him dearly.
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I am heartbroken. What a loss much too soon. I am an OT who knew Dr Jacobs personally and professionally. Such A kind, upbeat, caring man. My sincere sympathy to his family. Our community was much better with him as a central part of it. Sending love.
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Dear Roberts family,
I am so sorry to hear about Robert’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I first met Robert almost 20 years ago when I moved back to the DC area and began participating in the monthly IBO study group meetings. Robert was always there to support others and build our profession.
He has changed the lives of countless children and adults through his work. His enthusiasm, optimism and desire to learn and help others was an inspiration to many.
May his memory be a blessing.
With sympathy,
Mehry Green
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I have many fond memories of Robert since we first met in 4th grade, including playing on the Kenwood Cubs baseball team and later on him trying to help me with my golf game. Robert's thoughtful and steady demeanor throughout the years made him a rock-solid friend who had many fine qualities I admired greatly. I will miss you very much Robert and your kind spirit will be with me forever.
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2018, Baywood Greens Golf Course, Clubhouse Way, Long Neck, DE, USA
Another Golf Trip with my Best Friends
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Robert, I will miss you. I actually, don't remember when we meet but it was early in elementary school, but I do remember so much of my life with you. We had so many wonderful days together. You were always a core friend in my life. As we got older, I saw you become a man that I respected so much. You were always a calm and constant voice of reason and knowledge. I think back to so many memories, the go cart, the Firecracker Incident, burning plastic bags in your basement, Dulles Airport, LA, Grand Canyon, OC Trips and of course, you trying to teach me how hit a sand trap shot. You will live in my heart forever. Rest in Peace my friend.
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My deepest condolences on the loss of a great medical professional and a real mensch. The news of his passing was a total shock and highlights the fragility of the human experience. I have always looked forward to my regular visits and our discussions on the benefits and pitfalls of Marriott timeshare ownership. Dr Jacobs was a true pro, and his sense of humor and humanity will be greatly missed. It's clear how close he was with his family, and he is leaving a wonderful legacy.
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I became friends with Pat and Robert when they lived in Chicago. Pat and I worked together and our friendship was one of those that immediately clicked. Upon meeting Robert, I was impressed by his sense of humor and his intelligence. Having conversations with robert were great, unless we were talking about his beloved sports teams. I do recall that he thought if he wore the same clothes for every redskins football game they would win. I was smart enough not to challenge him on that one, knowing that I couldn’t possibly change his mind. May your memories and love from family and friends help you through this difficult time.
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I remember Robert from ICO. I was a year ahead of him and recruited him to help with the Oak School Project, providing vision therapy to students with behavioral and learning disabilities. Our care dramatically improved their academic achievement for the duration of the project. Our paths crossed again after he graduated and returned to Northern VA, where we have been colleagues through the IBO ever since. Robert frequently challenged me, demanding answers and clarification in ways that I often found intimidating. Behind it always was his great humor and warmth. More recently he and my husband Sam often spoke and kept in touch through email as Robert fought his illness. Sam shared his own life experiences and Jewish learning to offer support to Robert, who he greatly respected. We will both miss him, and hope his memory will always be a blessing for those he loved. Dr. Marsha Benshir and Sam Benshir
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Robert was a great friend and we enjoyed a friendship of over 35 years. He will be remembered for many things, but the difference he made in children’s lives is so important to acknowledge. The vision therapy he provided made a significant contribution to their esteem and academic success. We are grateful for that legacy! Pat, Rachael, and Natalie are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Dear Pat and family,
My deepest condolences. I can only imagine how hard Robert's passing must mean, but I can only believe he is now at rest with beautiful memories and no pain or discomfort. Robert always brought back early memories for me and of my late father and Robert's dad of Connecticut Optical where precision in optics was always key and pride. This was a trait that Robert carried forward into his practice of Optometry and the vision care he brought to all his patients.
As we enter January and close in on the annual Skeffington Symposium, I am reminded of the conflict the Robert would mention -- wanting to be at the meeting but many times Pat's birthday would be at the same time and his love for Pat always won out for his attention.
May the family be comforted with beautiful memories and stories. Robert will be missed.
Dr. Jeffrey Kraskin
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To the Jacobs family, we are very sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with all of you.
Lisa & Clay Parcells
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To Robert’s family,
May he Rest In Peace, May his memory be a blessing and may time enhance your memories and ease your pain.
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