Robert “Bob” Gang, Jr. was born on June 6, 1918, in Syracuse, New York. He attended Christian Brothers Academy High School and entered Syracuse University in the fall of 1935. Bob joined the Syracuse University Army ROTC “Stalwart Battalion” program and was a member of the Pershing rifle team that practiced on a rifle range in the basement of Archbold Gymnasium. After graduation in 1939, Bob enrolled in the College of Law.
Prior to finishing his law degree, Bob was called to active duty with the United States Army and served from 1942 to 1951 as an Infantry officer at Camp Bowie and Fort Hood, Texas with the “Tank Destroyers.” His legal training was a huge resource to those he served with, especially when he represented those charged with misconduct. Bob completed his law degree at Syracuse University and passed the New York State Bar exam in May 1946.
After serving his country, Bob came back to Syracuse and started a very successful career in private practice, working in the firm Smith, Dolan, Gieselman, and Gang. He specialized in Real Property law and served as the assistant city corporate counsel during his career. Bob and his first wife had seven children. Bob met his second wife Holly on a ski trip to Vermont. They have one daughter, Heather. In total, he has eight children and fifteen grandchildren. Bob practiced law for 50 years, doing pro bono work into his 80s. Bob’s family continues his legacy, with his son-in-law Ed Moses and grandson Matt Moses both attending Syracuse University for their law degrees. Bob’s advice to current law students, after a century plus of experience, is, “Do your own homework.”
Today, Bob and Holly live in Otisco, New York. Memorabilia from Bob’s service is proudly displayed here at Syracuse University’s National Veterans Resource Center.
