Mr. Robert E. "Bob" Stemmer

UTICA – Mr. Robert E. “Bob” Stemmer, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in the company of his beloved family, at the age of 95. Born in Utica on July 6, 1929, Robert was the son of the late Joseph and Antoinette (Bouse) Stemmer. He attended Mary St. School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1947; while there he excelled in the sports of track, football, and baseball. Bob honorably served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps as a Code and Cipher Clerk during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged on June 26, 1950, and then enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve where he spent 5 years, 2 of them being stationed in Japan. On May 17, 1952, Bob married the former Pauline DeCarlo. Bob was always sensitive and committed to Pauline's health concerns. He possessed solid family values and all the needs for a traditional family life. This year, the couple celebrated 72 years of devotion to one another. Bob was employed as a Draftsman for the General Electric Co. at their Broad St. location. He diligently engaged in 23 years of service to the company prior to his retirement. He received a master's degree in vocational teaching while being employed, a remarkable feat; earning this degree allowed him to teach various vocational programs. Bob was a strong and stern man; he was nicknamed “coach” for overseeing the development of the players who participated in the Pony and Colt Leagues. He attended, as a spectator along with Pauline and friends, all the basketball games that his grandson, Justin Cichon, played in. Justin was a shooting guard at New Hartford High School and then at Utica College during his years of higher education. They were so proud and devoted, and that is what dedicated grandparents do! He was a family man of great strength, and he was tenacious. His family, in turn, during his trials were very protective of him to the very end. Bob and Pauline held leadership roles with the Sts. Cosmas and Damian Society of Kossuth Ave. He was a devoted fan of the Buffalo Bills and Syracuse basketball, often watching their games with great enthusiasm. He also cherished special family functions, including going to Grandma DeCarlo’s back in the day for pizza on Friday nights, birthday parties, and the Christmas Eve festivities with Italian cuisine. He was a man of deep faith who attended Mass with great devotion. He was a member of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church. Many of us have advice to give and we often speak it ~ Bob’s was, “we can’t live forever.” Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Pauline; son, John R. Stemmer (and the memory of his daughter-in-law, Deborah (Szewczyk) Stemmer, who passed away in 2010); and daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Fred Greer. He also leaves to cherish his memory his grandchildren, John James Stemmer; and Justin and Vanessa Cichon; and great-grandchildren, Sophia Cichon, and David Cichon. He was predeceased by his brothers, Donald J. Stemmer and his wife Pauline, and Richard J. Stemmer. He also leaves behind his brother Richard’s wife, Selwa Stemmer; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Bob was blessed with many friendships in his life, a majority of whom have preceded him. He especially remained close in his heart with Dr. Anthony D’Orio, the last in his class and the last of his long-time friends. Bob was additionally predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Anna (Curri) DeCarlo; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mary and Anthony Tinelli, Antoinette and Sylvester Castano, and Grace and Roland Messere. The family wishes to thank Live Long at Home, especially Linda for being very sensitive and respectful at a needed time. John and Janice were both wonderful children who honored their dad with no regrets. Thank you also to Bob’s son-in-law, Fred, who went above and beyond to help his father-in-law and the entire family. The family will honor and commemorate his life privately. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Robert’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. Military Honors will be conferred by the U.S. Army and there will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. By family request please omit floral offerings. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Robert E. "Bob" Stemmer

July 6, 1929 - August 20, 2024