Robert R. Gensel, formerly of Garden City and Southold, died on Sept. 17, 2001, at Indian River Estates. Mr. Gensel was the founder of Gensel's Wayside Furniture, now known as Gensel's Gallery of Fine Home Furnishings.

He was born Feb. 4, 1918 in Lima, OH. He was a graduate of Dartmouth College, Class of 1940. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Upon graduation he entered the US Air Force.

Mr. Gensel's working career began at Howlands in Bridgeport, CT. In November 1948, he opened Gensel's Wayside Furniture in Mineola. It is now run by grandchildren Justin, Erin and Wesley Gensel. He was active in Rotary and Mineola Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club and North Fork Country Club.

Husband of Doria (DiDi) Gensel. Father of Diane Owens of Las Vegas, NV, Richard Gensel of Vero Beach, FL and Wendy Lattimer of Marlton, NJ, and Stuart, FL. Brother of Phyllis Durban of Plandome. Grandfather of six. Great-grandfather of three.

A memorial gathering will be held on LI at a later date. Contributions can be made to VNA Hospice, 1111 36th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960 or Stroke of Hope, 6171 Island Harbor Rd., Sebastian, FL 32958 or the Sept. 11, 2001 Disaster Fund.