| Date of Birth | October 8, 1942 |
| Date Deceased | March 6, 2024 |
| Hometown | Hornell |
| Home State | N.Y. |
Robert “Bob” Connell
HORNELL – Robert “Bob” Connell, 81, of the Airport Road, entered into rest Wednesday (March 6, 2024) at Maple City Rehab and Nursing Facility in Hornell following a long battle with dementia, with his precious family at his side.
Born in Elmira, NY on October 8, 1942, he was the son of the late George “Red” and Florence (Ritz) Connell.
Bob attended and graduated from Hornell High School and was active in basketball and baseball in school and played town team baseball after graduating. Somewhere along the way, he picked up golfing which became his lifelong hobby.
He worked at the Foster Wheeler Corp. in Dansville, NY as a welder for 37 years, where he retired after the company started closing. During his time at FW he also played on the FW Brae Burn Golf League. Bob also enjoyed his part-time job at the Dansville Auto Auction on Tuesday nights “running” the lanes. After retirement, Bob kept up his love of golf. He was a member of Twin Hickory and Hornell Golf Club.
When you ran into Bob, you would often be greeted by a snarky comment or two. He was always one to give you his opinion, whether you asked for it or not. Never a “yes” answer-it was always “Do birds fly?” or “I’m standing up talking to you aren’t I!” Bob was a tough egg, but once you cracked that shell, you couldn’t resist his charm. He taught his children at an early age to work hard but play hard and keep it on the hardtop. Bob’s love for golf, his children, grandchildren, and enjoying a beverage or two is what kept him going most days.
Bob was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Surviving are his wife, Debra (Pfaff), son, Scott (Brianne) Connell; daughters, Aimee Sciotti and Kari (Aaron) Schwartz; grandchildren, Kala Connell, Jaden and Jonas Sciotti, Talan and Presley Schwartz; brother, George Connell; sister-in-law, Shelly (Larry) Jackson; brothers-in-law, Don (Sharon Herrick) and Rick (Darlene Brokaw) Pfaff; life-long friends, Mike and AnnMarie Barillo; and his loving respite care providers, Melissa McKay and Sharon Herrick.
There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be at the Hornell Golf Club at a date and time to be determined.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home. 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Bob’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Bob are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
What can I say about Bob? He was friends with both Mike and me long before Mike and I became a couple and together we were friends with Bob and Debbie at least 50 years! I fondly remember all the times he and I would walk from St. Ann’s to HHS together after CCD on Tuesdays and enjoying “socials” in the Foxhole on the weekend.
Mike recalls their fishing, both warm weather and ice fishing, hunting rabbits, playing baseball and picking berries. They also got “serious” and took on a few odd jobs together like digging ditches (one day!), baling hay and working on the section laying railroad track.
Mike and Bob loved playing golf together and enjoyed a few beers afterwards. He remembers little Scottie falling asleep in the back of the Green Hornet… the name of our golf cart. Debbie and I eventually joined them. We had many instances of just socializing in the clubhouse at Twin Hickory and went out to dinner on Thursday nights for years. We both have many happy memories of a lifetime of friendship. Rest in peace, dear Bob!
You never had to guess where you stood with Bob, he would let you know when he met you. He was truly one of a kind. He worked hard for the Dansville Fish and Game club.
Recruiting members such as myself.
He also worked on many Dinner committees, for the club. He will be missed.
Rest in peace, Bob. We were good friends during my time in Hornell, and shared a lot of fun. My condolences to your brother and other family members.
Sorry for your loss
Bob was a nice guy
Jim and I are saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. He was always a friendly gentleman with a smile and a hello. I saw him often at Sal Pacino’s Restaurant enjoying a fine meal. His sickness was difficult for him and his family. Today, Bob is free of these hard times . Words I came across in a book I was reading I’d like to share with his family.
“Death creates a heartache no one can heal. Love creates a memory no one can steal.”
I hope these words help you through this difficult time.
Debbie and family. It was like everyone said, Bob always greeted you with a wise crack. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless !
Will always remember fondly growing up on Front St with the Connell Family and especially with Bob “Bibs”. Enjoyed hunting with the gang on the old Triple H and his many excuses for missing the “big one”