Obituary of Robert D. "Big Bob" Robert

PIERREPONT-- Robert Dale Robert, 73, better known as "Big Bob" passed away at home on December 11, 2017 with his family at his side. A Celebration of Life for Big Bob will be held Saturday, December 23, 2017, starting at 3 p.m. at the Hannawa Falls Fire Hall Dog House. In lieu of flowers, donations and gifts may be given to children in need from Santa Clause, something Robert did for many years, providing joy to many children making house visits as the Man in the Big Red Suit as he was known to leave reindeer and sleigh prints in his wake. Burial will be held in the spring in the St. Patrick's Cemetery in Colton. Big Bob leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 49 years, Mary Robert, Pierrepont; a daughter, Shannon (Robert) Streeter and her companion Brad Newberry, Watertown; a son, Francis and Angie Robert, Star Lake; a daughter, Patty and Hank Klemko, South Colton and a son, Joseph and Tina Robert, Pierrepont. Robert leaves behind several grandchildren and great grandchildren; Natasha Streeter, Kateland (Streeter) Corey (son Kellen), Brandon Streeter (son Weston, daughter Traelynn), Brittany Robert (daughters MJ, and Eliana), Katlyn Robert (daughter Ava) Kerstin Robert (son Robbie, daughter Oaklynn) Kennedy Robert, Kaden Robert, Karter Robert, Alec, Allison (son Hunter), Kobi Aldous, Dustin Robert and Cody Robert as well as a niece and three nephews. Robert was pre-deceased by his parents, Francis and Ina Robert, a brother, Clark Robert and son-in- law, Shawn Streeter. Born in Ogdensburg, NY on September 6, 1944 to the late Francis and Ina Paro Robert, Robert graduated from High School and served with the U.S. Navy-Air Force. Bob served from 1963-1967 during the Vietnam Conflict, receiving a purple heart among other medals. Robert is reunited with his best friend, Rosy who died in his arms in battle. Dad worked at the Newton Falls Paper Mill for 30 years, retiring in 1984. Big Bob was a firearm enthusiast, a gun smith and an expert. If it fired, Robert knew what it was, usually where to find one, how to fix it and how to reload the ammunition. As you can guess he was also an avid hunter and taught all of his children how to fire a rifle, hunt for anything under the sun, and fish before they learned to ride a bike. Robert was a member of a number of organizations including the Hannawa Falls Fire Department where he was a member for 40 years and served as Chief for a number of them. He was also a member of the Elks Club, American Legion, Amvets and the VFW. Big Bob loved to write and recite poetry which was published, if you were lucky enough you could hear him sing a song or whistle a tune for the price of a beer, usually at the Birches, or the Colton Hotel. Robert was a people person, and loved to spin you a tale if you would stop and listen, he'd talk all day. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com. The Buck Funeral Home in Colton is serving the family of Robert D. "Big Bob" Robert.