Date of Birth December 5, 1945
Date Deceased December 6, 2023
Hometown Prattsburgh
Home State N.Y.
Service Date December 20, 2023
Service Time 4 p.m.
Service Location Hammondsport American Legion

Robert H. Wagner

Robert H. Wagner of Hammondsport, New York, died on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 at his home in Odessa, Florida at the age of 78.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ellen; two children, Brian (Nicole) and Tracy Wood; three grandchildren, Brendan, Nicholas (Shannon Elward) and Rachel Wood.  He also has many extended family members in New York, Michigan and Massachusetts.

Bob was born Dec. 5, 1945, in Massachusetts.  He moved with his parents to Prattsburgh, NY when he was a year and a half and his father had purchased The Prattsburgh Home Telephone Company. Upon his father’s death in 1978, Robert became President and CEO of Empire and North Penn Telephone Companies.

Throughout his life, Bob was an avid trap shooter.  He loved traveling to many of the Eastern states and competing in state shooting competitions.  It was at these shoots he made lifelong friends and made his mark in Trap shooting.  He was a past president of the NYSATA and was inducted into the Amateur NYS Trap Association Hall of Fame.

Bob enjoyed being outdoors deer and duck hunting, as well as fishing in the Florida Gulf, all with his good friends and family.  You could also find him camping in the summers at the numerous trap shoots, or on a getaway with friends and family.

He was a Lifetime member of the Bath and Branchport Rod and Gun Clubs, Moose Club, Bath VFW and Hammondsport American Legion.  Bob was also a member of the Elks Club.

He is predeceased by his parents: Herman H. Wagner and Ann C. (Murphy) and wife Glenda.

Calling hours will be held at the Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main St., HAMMONDSPORT on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 from 4-7pm.  A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at the Hammondsport American Legion at 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Hammondsport American Legion, P.O. Box 544, Hammondsport, NY 14840, or the Wayne Fire Department, P.O. Box 72, Wayne NY 14893, as a thank you for their quick and compassionate responding when Bob was at home and in need of their service.

The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home 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.

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8 Responses

  1. I worked for Bob for many years, and he was always a gentleman. He was always willing to listen to you, and whenever he came in, he always wore a big smile.

  2. To Brian, Tracy, Ellen, et al,
    We are saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. We certainly remember him well over all our years in Hammondsport. I know he hasn’t been well in recent years but he always had a smile whenever we saw him. We will certainly miss him-as will many others. Sincere condolences to you, my friends. May God bless your good memories of happy times together.
    With love, Lynn & Bob Domras

  3. I can not express the deep sorrow I feel over the loss of Bob. I am happy to have know him as a my brother-in-law. Always looked forward to seeing your family on visits to Massachusetts. He will be sorely missed. May fond memories comfort you at this time.

  4. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. He was a good man and my closest friend. I will miss my fishing buddy. Lorrie and I send our deepest condolences and are here if you need anything.

  5. Sincere condolences to you and your family. I worked for Bob for many years and always respected him. Bob’s gifts that I will always remember were his smile, friendship, and the respect he gave me. May his memories comfort you at this time.

  6. Bob was one of the nicest men I have ever met in my life. Always willing to help everyone, no matter who they were. He will be missed by so many. Rest In Peace my friend. My condolences to the family.

  7. Tracy and Brian,
    As you know we raised our families with Bob and your mom at Keuka lake as next door neighbors. I fondly remember the nails we pounded together at your house and ours.
    We waterskied the length of Keuka lake as a threesome with Mike Magee. We made a ski jump and spent many hours trying tricks on skis, and boards. I always out fished him. (NOT)
    We are so sorry that we cannot be there in person to express our sympathies, but our warm memories will be with you always.
    Jean and Dick Ottalagana

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