Bob graduated from Wilsonian High School, married Jane Harrington and brought up 5 children in Angelica. Late in life he and Jane moved to Bradenton, FL, near daughter, Sue, and recently to South Royalton, VT with daughters, Rhonda and Sandie.
Bob collected hats, and some of the many he wore during his 85 years were as the 23 year Owner/Operator of Bob’s Shell (later Sunoco), in Angelica, Angelica Street and Water Department Foreman, West State Tire Manager in Olean, Bus Driver for Genesee Valley, Parts Runner and finally School Crossing Guard in Bradenton.
In business, Bob employed and mentored many young men, helped people in the dead of night, in snowstorms, rainstorms, and on many a so-called day off. His business was a community anchor for years, and though now gone many memories remain.
Though he often presented a gruff exterior, Bob would, and did, give the coat off his back when needed. He served as a member of the Village Board of Angelica, Angelica Hose Company, Lions Club, Masons, Legion as a veteran of the United States Army, and Wellsville Moose Lodge 601.
Bob is survived by wife, Jane (Harrington) Perry; 3 sisters, Mary Louise Beckwith, Angelica, NY; Donna Torrico, North Carolina, and Joanne(Tom) Day, Florida; his 5 children Rhonda(Tim) Murphy, S.Royalton, VT; Pat(Tony) Kozlowski, Wellsville, NY; Sue(Mark) Domer, Bradenton, FL; Sandie(Mike) Sawyer, Bridgewater, VT; and Bob(Lisa) Perry, Angelica, NY; 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great- nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers-in-law, Bruce Beckwith, Bob Torrico, and Bob Harrington; and nieces Janet (Jelleson) Kuhn, and Pam (Harrington) Weinhauer.
Calling hours are from noon – 2 with memorial service immediately following at Brown & Powers Funeral Home, Angelica NY, April 13th. Reception at the Angelica American Legion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Angelica Fire Dept, the Angelica Legion, or the Angelica Free Library.
To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com, the family is being assisted by director Chester A. Gosper IV, or on Facebook @brownpowersfh.