Robert Stephan Lustig
1946-2023
Robert (“Bert”) S. Lustig, 76, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va. died on Friday, June 23, 2023, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa. On the Summer Solstice, June 21, he was very content to be standing in the flowing water of the North Branch of the Potomac River, fly rod in hand in pursuit of an elusive trout when Bert suffered a cardiac emergency. Fly-fishing and mountain streams were always special passions.
A man of keen intelligence, natural mechanical aptitude and wide knowledge, he could tackle any project. Born on October 25, 1946 in Plainfield, N.J., the son of Leo and Margaret (Rohlfing) Lustig. He graduated from Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa. and obtained his PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Maryland.
A developing interest in fine woodworking further unleashed his extreme creativity and he moved to Morgan County, designed a wood shop and began a career as a wood craftsman in the early 1970’s. His wood turnings and custom designed furniture and lamps won many awards in juried gallery and museum competitions and was featured in Fine Woodworking Magazine and Design Books. An avid interest in whitewater paddling led him to design a unique carrying seat/saddle-yoke for his canoe for which he obtained a patent. Bert also designed and hand built his house, with the help of his wife and a circle of willing friends.
A Master Gardener and avid naturalist he has lovingly tended his land. Leaving a legacy of the landscape he created by planting many trees, shrubs, and native species wildflowers. Bert also took pride in his vegetable gardens and loved tending the soil and caring for the Earth. He enjoyed his low impact lifestyle and was always willing to help a neighbor.
In the 1990’s he and his wife, Pat, pursuing a shared interest in book collecting, began selling books in Berkeley Springs. Most recently they ran Berkeley Springs Books which was located downtown for 10 years.
Bert had a strong sense of civic responsibility and was a willing volunteer, especially when activism was needed to protect the environment and citizens of Morgan Co. He was an excellent spokesperson who helped lead the fight to defeat questionable proposals. An excellent writer, he penned many thoughtful letters to the editor of The Morgan Messenger.
He was a past member of the Morgan Co. Solid Waste Authority where he served a term as chairman. He also served on the board of the C & O Canal Assoc. and was very involved as the Morgan Co. representative in lobbying for the expansion of the Western Maryland Rail Trail.
Bert is survived by his cherished wife of 40 years, Patricia Graybeal, and dog, Theo, and his brother, David (Judith) Lustig, New Hope, Pa., beloved nephews, Andrew Lustig (Patti), Clearwater, Fla., and James (Suzanne), Richmond, Va., and nieces Leigh (Greg) Baird, Stockton, N.J., and Rebecca (Brad), New York, N.Y. Grand nephews, Dashiel Handler and Noah Baird and grand- nieces Liza Handler and Anya Baird also survive.
Following cremation, burial will be private.
Plans for a future Celebration of Life are incomplete at this time.
Professional Services trusted to D’ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., Pittsburgh.