Obituary of Robert A. Hitchcock

Robert 'Bob' Arthur Hitchcock, Sr. Robert A. Hitchcock, 79, of Ilion, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2013, at the Siegenthaler Center, after a courageous battle with cancer. His real victory is the journey to a new life, one that is pain free. He was born August 26,1934 in Ilion, a son of the late Willis Lansing Hitchcock and Catherine Williams Hitchcock Goering. He was of the Presbyterian faith. Bob served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1956; he spent one and a half years overseas during the Korean Conflict. He received the National Defense Medal. He was a member of the American Legion. Bob retired from the NYS Thruway Authority based at the Herkimer Exchange. He spent many days helping out and golfing at the Maple Crest Golf Course. Bob enjoyed playing, and was very good at, billiards, horseshoes, shuffleboard, darts, and pinochle. He also enjoyed his younger days spent at the Mahogany Ridge. Bob loved telling stories, jokes, and singing rhymes to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed family rides through the countryside, and maybe stopping for a bite to eat. Bob loved going to watch his grandson's play football and wrestle. He was a kind and loving man who will be missed by all those who knew him. Bob is survived by his beloved children; Keith Hitchcock of Conn., Nancy Nabinger of Ilion, Robert Hitchcock Jr. of Herkimer, and Jerry (Linda) Hitchcock of Rome. His siblings; Willis "Bill" Hitchcock of Ohio, Barbara Noffer of Balston Spa, Elisabeth (Lawerence) "Chic & Babe" DelGrego of Ilion, Gerald (Debbie) Hitchcock of Georgia, Gertrude "Trudy" Tangorra of Ilion, and a sister-in-law, Irene Hitchcock of Florida. His grandchildren; Andrew Owen and Jonathan Nabinger of Ilion, Alan, Heather, Danielle, and Jerrianne Hitchcock all of Rome. His great grandchildren; Zoie Anne Smith, Craig Anthony Miles, and Brysen D. Asher Hitchcock all of Rome. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by a brother, Douglas Hitchcock, a sister, Jennette Ridgeway, a sister-in-law, Marion Hitchcock, and a nephew. Also a special friend, Fred Davis. The family would like to thank Dr. Norman Freund of Little Falls Hospital for his honesty, Hospice Care and the staff of the Siegenthaler Center for their care and compassion. It was Bob's wish to donate his body for education and research to Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 20, 2013, from 6 -8 p.m. at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 218 W. Court St., Rome. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, New York 13413. To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com. "There is a link death cannot sever, Love and remembrance last forever"