Mr. Robert J. Tehan

Mr. Robert J. Tehan, age 65, of New Hartford, passed away on Saturday, October 2, 2010 in the comfort and privacy of his home, surrounded by the love and devotion of his family. Born in Utica on December 23, 1944, Robert was the son of the late Louis B. and Victoria “Vicky” (Salem) Tehan. Raised and educated in Utica, he was a 1962 graduate of Utica Free Academy and he attended M.V.C.C. A veteran of the United States Army, he served his country during the Vietnam Conflict. On September 5, 1966 he wed his high school sweetheart, Kamleh Massoud; the couple shared a sense of love and fulfillment in their marriage, and Robert lived for his family in the truest sense of the word. As a youngster, Robert began his working career rotating candy along side his father in the family venture, Tehan’s Wholesale, on James Street and Conkling Ave. He and his brothers continued their father’s legacy, and he helped to make the business flourish until his retirement in 1999. Robert loved his family and grandchildren beyond reason, and just the mention of their names would light up his face. He was an easy-going person who made friends effortlessly. He was intelligent and did not ask for much, but he believed in respect. At the end of the day, it can be said that he lived a good life. An active man, he enjoyed golfing, and he ran the Boilermaker Race for many years until his illness. He spent winters in Florida where he found peace and pleasure running on the beach in Naples. In his earlier years, he pursued a wide array of recreational activities, including fishing and hunting. He was a parishioner of St. Louis Gonzaga Church. Robert is survived by his wife, Kamleh; his sons and daughters-in-law, Louis and Lisa Tehan, and David and Norma Tehan, all of New Harford; his grandchildren, Alissa, Andrea, Arica, Mary Magdalene, and Robert; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Susan Massoud of Utica. Survivors also include his sister and brother-in-law, Marianne and Seth Gordon of Clifton Park, NY; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Frederick J. and Kathleen Tehan of Marcy, Richard J. and JoAnne Tehan, and Steven A. and Kathleen Tehan, all of New Hartford. He cherished in his heart the memory of his brother, Basil L. Tehan, who passed away on August 19, 2009. In addition, he leaves his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, John and Samira Massoud, Loretta and Gene Romano of New Hartford, Susan Massoud Issa, and Paul Massoud, both of Utica; and his dear and cherished friends in Utica and Florida. He was predeceased by his uncles and aunts, Tony and Elizabeth “Betty” Salem, Katherine and John Favat, Marie and Trevor Fergusen, Julia and Albert Adjan, and Lena and Philip George; and his sister-in-law, Bertha Tehan. The family extends sincere appreciation to the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., for the care and compassion they rendered to Robert. Visitation will be held Tuesday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., or St. Jude Children’s Hospital; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The Prayer of Incense will be offered Tuesday evening at the funeral home at 6:30. Robert’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 11:00 from the funeral home and at 12:00 noon at St. Louis Gonzaga Church where his Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Chorbishop John D. Faris. Entombment with Military Honors will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum Chapel at Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Robert J. Tehan

December 23, 1944 - October 2, 2010