Robert L. Emerson, 74, of Sparrowbush, N.Y,. entered peacefully into eternal rest on Monday, July 10, 2017 at his home with his devoted wife, Beth and youngest daughter, Kristen by his side.
He was born September 25, 1942 in Potsdam, N.Y. the son of the late Robert H. and the late Alice Gowell Emerson. He was predeceased by his brother in law, Russell Otto of Rio, N.Y. as well as a handful of his nearest and dearest friends. He was predeceased by his loyal companion, Abbey, his Scottish terrier.
He proudly served our country in the United States Navy, stationed in Port Hueneme, CA, where he received an honorable discharge on January 22, 1962.
In 1972, while in Binghamton, NY, Bob met the love of his life, Beth, a nursing student and him, a scuba diving instructor.
Bob was the building inspector for the Town of Deerpark for 17 years; the longest amount of time held by one person in this position as of yet. He was very fond of his coworkers, and them of him. He was also a member of the NYS Builders Association.
Bob was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as spending time on the lake near his hometown with his brother, David. He was truly Bob the Builder, as he was often seen on his property riding his backhoe and other various heavy machinery. He had a large collection of vintage snow mobiles, having 28 at one time. He enjoyed attending car shows and swap meets with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a car enthusiast, with focus on hot rods, antique and classic cars, having acquired numerous throughout his lifetime.
The family urges and encourages anyone who will be attending the funeral, as in true enthusiast style, to bring your classic cars as a tribute to Bob.
Surviving are his loving wife of 40 years Beth Koenig Emerson, children: Jason Emerson and his wife of Sparrowbush, Alicia Bennett and her husband James of Queensland, Australia, Kristen Emerson and her fiancé Joseph Boucher of Port Jervis, N.Y., Jeffrey Emerson and his wife Linda of Milford, PA, Gina Emerson of Seguin, TX, Wendy Emerson of Austin, TX. Brother David Emerson and his wife Carolyn of Harrisville, NY. Sister: Catherine Emerson-Erwin and her husband James of Boston, MA. Sisters in law: Loretta Buchanan of Matamoras, PA and Linda Otto of Rio, NY. Brother in Law: Lawrence Koenig of Destin, FL. Daughter In Law Maria Emerson of Goshen, N.Y.
Grandchildren: Jeffrey, Anthony, Shiloh, Savannah, Victoria, Sara, William and Alexa. He had an especially close bond with his three youngest grandchildren, Ashley and Tyler Emerson and Leila Bennett, who lovingly called him “Poppy”. He also had one great grandchild.
He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Also his beloved dog Tiggy, his Cairn terrier.
Family and friends are welcome to visit at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, Inc., 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771 on Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 12p.m. to2p.m.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 2p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst officiating.
Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to BeTheMatch.org, American Red Cross for blood and platelet donations. The family asks for consideration in joining the “Be the Match Registry”, as well as any donation to that cause. Also, for your support of the Compassionate Care Act Legislation and the Death with Dignity Statute.
Funeral arrangements are by the Gray-Parker Funeral Home 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis. For additional information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family please visit www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com.