Robert Earl Dier, age 85, passed away on April 9, 2025, at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse with his loving family at his side. Calling hours were held on Monday April 14, 2025 from 4PM to 7PM at Frary Funeral Home, 33 Park Street, Gouverneur. A funeral service was held on Tuesday April 15, 2025, at 12PM at the funeral home with Rev. Alan Kinney officiating, and burial with Military Honors following in East Riverside Cemetery.
Robert (Bob) was born on March 8, 1940, the son of the late Earl and Katherine (Earl) Dier. Bob graduated from Gouverneur High School. After high school Bob joined the US Navy, proudly serving his country aboard the USS Current. While in port and on his only day off, Bob married the love of his life, Carol Ann Lynde, on December 26, 1961 in Hawaii. After being Honorably discharged from the Navy, Bob worked many years at the Gouverneur A & P, becoming the store manager. He then worked for his brother-in-law William Scozzafava at Gouverneur Auto Parts, before going to work for Kinney Drugs of Gouverneur, from which he retired as a maintenance and construction supervisor.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Carol, two daughters Michelle (Dale) Woodard, and Marcia (Scott) Cleveland of Gouverneur, two grandsons Jacob (Amanda) and Zachary (Joanna) Woodard, two great grandsons Dawson and Zeke Woodard, and two great granddaughters Leyah and Zoe Woodard. Bob is predeceased by his sister Marilyn Scozzafava and his brother-in-law William (Bill) Scozzafava.
Bob was known to be a jack of all trades; he could fix anything and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others along with a story or two. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling with his friends, and playing cards later in life. Bob also enjoyed traveling with Carol, attending USS Current reunions for many years, and with his daughters, especially to the island of St. Maarten most every year for the last 30 years. Most of all, Bob just loved spending time with his family.
Bob served the local community for many years as a Fireman, and Fire Chief of the Gouverneur Fire Department, and later becoming a member of the Gouverneur Exempt Fireman’s Association. Bob was also a member of the Gouverneur Elks Club and the Gouverneur American Legion. One of Bob’s proudest moments was when he was inducted into the Gouverneur High School Wall of Fame for his contributions to Gouverneur Football, Basketball, and as a Freshman, he set the Section X record in the 100 Meter Hurdles.
Memorial donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Gouverneur Fire Department. Online memorial condolences may be shared with Bob’s family at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.