Dr. Robert M. "Bob" Toborowsky

Dr. Robert Toborowsky, age 85, passed away October 17, 2024. Beloved husband of Patricia Hastie. Loving father of Brad Toborowsky (Sara), Dr. Elizabeth Pollard (Dr. Mark), Dr. Carl Toborowsky (Dr. Lisa Bazzle), and the late Margaret Toborowsky. Loving step-father of Rebecca Lane, and Mason Lane (Robert Domenick). Dear brother of Elaine Schneiderman (late Phil) and the late Marilyn Wells (Tom Schargitz). Adoring Grandpop of Matthew, Ryan, Olivia, and Jake. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Elizabeth Toborowsky.  He is also survived by Joan Toborowsky, his nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. 

Dr. Toborowsky was a clinical and forensic psychiatrist for over 50 years. He treated patients with empathy and skill, and provided expert testimony in various civil matters.  In an effort to retain an ethical and equitable approach and assessment to each case, he took on cases on behalf of defendants and plaintiffs. 

With a natural inclination for sharing his love of learning and discovery, Dr. Toborowsky served as a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania where he taught and supervised medical students, residents, and psychology graduate students. He further applied that love of learning and teaching to the overall practice of psychiatry as a member of the Ethics Committee of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law and as a member of the Ethics Committee of the Psychiatric Physicians of Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Toborowsky graduated valedictorian from Perth Amboy High School and summa cum laude from Rutgers University. He earned his medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and completed his internship in internal medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. He returned to the University of Pennsylvania where he completed his residency in psychiatry and an additional year as chief resident. Subsequently, he served in the United States Air Force as Chief of Psychiatry at a Strategic Air Command Base in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. 

Once discharged from the Air Force, Dr. Toborowsky returned to the University of Pennsylvania to serve as Medical Director of the Hall Mercer Community Mental Health Center and as Vice Chairman of Psychiatry at Pennsylvania Hospital. He held several other leadership roles in the Penn Health System throughout his tenure. 

Bob’s accomplishments are emblematic not only of his intellectual achievements, but also of his innate desire to live life fully. He was an avid Philadelphia sports fan who had 76ers season tickets for over 50 years and a collector of things in which he saw true and creative beauty, including vintage Hamilton watches, a variety of art, and artistically crafted postcards. His collections creatively captured the tenor of the times as well as the human spirit. 

If Bob was your friend, he was your friend for life. He loved unconditionally and lived joyously, especially when experiencing and celebrating the successes of his children, grandchildren, and stepchildren. He inspired us to be better people because of him and for him. 

Family and friends are invited to his Memorial Service on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 2 PM at GOLSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S Funeral Directors, Inc. 6410 N. Broad St. Phila PA 19126. Interment private. Shiva to be observed at the late residence, Sunday following services and Monday and Tuesday 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Contributions in his memory may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation www.cff.org/chapters/delaware-valley-chapter-philadelphia-office or the National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org