Mr. Robert E. "Bobby" Wells, Sr.

UTICA – Mr. Robert E. “Bobby” Wells, Sr., age 79, went home to the Lord peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026. At the time of his passing, he was in the hearts of those he loved most. Born in Utica on February 12, 1947, Robert was the son of the late Charles “Red” and Dora E. (Williams) Wells. He attended Potter Elementary and Kernan Middle Schools and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. He soon met and married his beloved wife, the former Mary Jackson, the love of his life, from whom he was inseparable for nearly 62 years. The two became lifelong partners and best friends. Their bond was one of deep loyalty, laughter, and enduring love – when you saw one, you always saw the other. Bobby worked diligently for the Bendix Corporation and Beaunit Fibers before accepting a position with AT&T, currently known as Verizon, as a building maintenance man. He gained a reputation for his precision and assiduousness and after 30 years, retired in 1994. Following his retirement, he and Mary took adventurous trips, enjoyed cruises, and often found themselves in Atlantic City. Bobby will be remembered as a man of integrity, humor, and heart. He was a man of many cherished roles—husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and neighbor. Though he loved all his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren equally, he and his first great-grandson, Dahron, whom he helped raise, shared a special bond as Bobby was a father figure to Dahron. Bobby imparted his wisdom, knowledge, and standards to Dahron, who gracefully accepted these lessons with passion and intensity, ultimately earning several degrees through the scholastic opportunities and guidance he received. Education was of utmost importance to Bobby and was a driving force behind his own accomplishments. He intentionally guided and provided for his family so that they would know his legacy and incorporate his wisdom into their own lives and decisions. No stranger to the kitchen, Bobby was especially renowned for his codfish balls, sauce, and the artistry in his lasagna preparation—both of which everyone enjoyed. In fact, he was a great cook in general! Bobby was known for being quiet, kind, soft-spoken, and deeply loving. He carried himself with class and a protective spirit that made everyone around him feel safe and valued. His meticulously kept hair and clothing, humor, warmth, and down-to-earth charm were often accompanied by his favorite Miller High Life. When someone would say, “See you later,” Bobby would always quip back, “Thanks for the warning!” A testament to his intelligence, in his younger years, he read the entire encyclopedia on more than one occasion. He was a voracious reader and had a vast and all-encompassing vocabulary, as well as a remarkable knowledge of history and geography. A true scholar with a plethora of knowledge, he loved completing crossword puzzles, always in pen, and enjoyed sharing facts, stories, and insights with anyone who wanted to learn. His curiosity and intellect were lifelong companions. In his quiet moments, Bobby enjoyed watching his favorite shows, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and Walker, Texas Ranger, programs which reflected his appreciation of knowledge, wit, and justice. When life presented him with challenges, he gracefully accepted them and saw them not as obstacles but as opportunities. For year after year, he always did what needed to be done, but as time passed, he allowed others to handle some of those tasks, knowing he had taught them well and that’s how life evolves. A loyal member of Grace Episcopal Church, Bobby was brought up in the church, and was a strong believer. He sang in the choir with his strong tenor voice and served on the vestry governing board. Bobby is survived by his loving and extraordinary wife, Mary Wells; his beloved children, whom he cherished, and their loves, Sherisse Wells-Moseley and Berry Blair, Rhonda Wells, and Robert Wells, Jr.; grandchildren, Shamia Wells, and the late Shaun Moseley (2018); Earl Crawford, III and his wife Amanda, and Sgt. Keenan Love, U.S. Army; Shaniese Wells, Robert Wells, III, Janay Wells, and Julian Figueroa; great-grandchildren, eldest Dahron Wells, Dushari Blair; Earl Crawford, IV, Destin Blair, Tavion Moseley, and Xavier Crawford. He is also survived by his sister, Janice Wells-Robinson and her husband SFC John Robinson, U.S. Army; and brother, David Wells, Sr. and his wife Cynthia Wells. He was preceded by his brother, Charles “Sonny” Wells, Jr. His loss is also felt by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and sister-in-law, Emma Lee Lewis. Bobby cherished his lifelong friend, Earl Crawford, Sr., the late David “Pablo” Davis, and his neighbors of 50 years Matthew and Daisy Brown, whom Bobby was fortunate to consider extended family. He was preceded by his in-laws, Marie Walker, Willie B. “JJ” Jackson, and Eula B. Jackson. He was further predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hatcher and Mary L. Jackson; and grandparents, Frederick and Anna Williams, and Charles and Julia Wells. As a family, the Wells provided loving care, joy, and inspiration to him each day. The Wells family were not alone in this support, and would like to thank Bobby’s primary care physician, Dr. V. Kandiah, for his kindness over the years. And a special thank you to nurse Michael DuRoss for his attentiveness, patience, and empathy. They are eternally grateful to have had Michael by Bobby’s side. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 6 Elizabeth St., Utica. Robert’s Celebration of Life will commence at 11:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow in New Forest Cemetery.

Mr. Robert E. "Bobby" Wells, Sr.

February 12, 1947 - May 31, 2026