Obituary: Robert Hall McNinch, 99, Belmont

Belmont - Robert Hall McNinch, age 99, passed away on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Manor Hills in Wellsville. He was born on January 30, 1919 on the family farm in Belmont to Harry T. and Florence Hall McNinch. On July 19, 1941 in Fleming he married Elizabeth Huey who predeceased him one year ago to the day on April 19, 2017. Robert was born on the farm in Belmont where lived for 95 years. Along with his wife they wintered in Florida from 1975 until 2000 first in Fort Myers and later in Lakeland. He was a dairy and poultry farmer for 33 years and then took a job at the former Citizens National Bank as the Farm Loan Officer retiring from Key Bank as the Branch Manager in Belmont. He was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Belmont F&AM, charter member of the Belmont Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow, a member of the Archaeological Society of Ohio, Sons of the American Revolution, Dairyman's League, and the Andover Presbyterian Church where he served as Elder. In 1961 he was the recipient of the Hugh  D. Chamberlain Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year. He was a member of the former Belmont Presbyterian Church and as a member of the Men's Club that helped build the Parish Hall. He served as Justice of the Peace and Supervisor for the Town of Amity. He also served as a member of the first Allegany County Board of Legislators for 2 terms. He and his wife enjoyed traveling cross country in their motor home staying at 13 different Elder hostels. Survivors include a daughter, Meredith [David] Chilson of Belmont; 2 granddaughters, Denise Chilson of Victor and Jennifer [Sean] McMahon of  Penfield; 7 grandchildren, Gates Robert McMahon, Emma Chilson-Cline, Christopher Robert Chilson- Cline, Aidan McMahon, Jacob Chilson- Cline, Faith McMahon, and Maia McMahon; many nieces and nephews. Robert was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, James T., John G., Louis A., Harry T. , Jr.; sisters Louise A. Morris, and Mary I. Rhodes.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, April 22, from 1 until 3 p.m. at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. His funeral service will be held at the conclusion of the calling hours at 3 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Chris Mattison presiding. Memorials in Robert's name may be made to either the Belmont Library or to the charity of the donor's choice. Burial will take place in Forest Hills Cemetery and to leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.