He married his long-time sweetheart Irma Elaine Botens in
Rushford, January 26, 1948. Elaine predeceased him on May 1, 2017. Bob and
Elaine had a love for each other that was evident by all who knew them; their
stories and history were intertwined.
Bob served his country during WWII in the United States Army
Cavalry Unit from 1944 through 1946, where he was stationed in India. Not only
was he a lifetime member of the NRA and the American Legion, Bob was also a
past member of the Cuba Grange 799 and the Twin Ridge Conservation Club. Bob
and Elaine were active in the Square Dance Club and would often be seen in the
streets of Cuba and Rushford during parades. He was an avid hunter, trapper,
fisherman and a lifetime farmer. Until recently, he milked a handful of cows
and ran all of his own machinery.
Robert leaves behind four children Dawn (George) Santangelo,
Cathy (Chris Rogosienski) Hurlburt, Randy (Betty Slater) Swift, and Scott Swift
all of Cuba; 11 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild;
and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents and his wife of 69 years, Bob was
predeceased by a granddaughter Jessa Santangelo, a daughter-in-law Judy Swift
and three sisters; Aladene Kessler, Helen Lockwood and Ruth Wilkinson.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be at the discretion of the
family at a later date. Interment will be at the Bellville Cemetery in New
Hudson at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to be made
to the Hart Comfort House, 141 E. State St., Wellsville, NY.
