ROBERT J. SOBERS
NORTH NORWICH – Robert J. (Bob) Sobers of North Norwich, passed away December 10th at the NYS Veterans Home in Oxford. Bob was born on October 2, 1929; he was the son of Clinton and Emily Sobers (deceased) of Lansford, PA.
Bob is survived by his wife Irene of 63 years, a brother James W. Sobers of West Chester Pennsylvania, and three married children: son Jim and daughter-in-law Marie of Bristow Virginia, daughter Loretta Motto and son-in-law Vic of Elkridge Maryland, and daughter Linda Sobers and son-in-law Bill Haisch of St. Petersburg Florida. Bob and Irene also have six grandchildren: Shane Sobers (and wife Kira) of Fairfax Virginia, Laura Szupinka (and husband Chris) of Bristow Virginia, Brad Schmit (and wife Jessica) of Gainesville Florida, Megan Schmit of Miami Florida, Kyle Motto and Renee Motto of Elkridge Maryland; and two great-grandchildren: Erica Szupinka and Ethan Szupinka of Bristow Virginia.
After retiring from the Army in 1967, Bob and his family moved to Norwich to start a new career with Norwich Pharmaceuticals. He retired again in 1989 (from then Proctor & Gamble Pharmaceuticals), and did volunteer work for the Chenango SPCA until 2010.
Bob was a loving and stable family patriarch, hard worker, generous friend and neighbor, and good citizen. His Army career included a combat tour in Korea, service in other overseas locations (Japan and Panama), and multiple stateside assignments (Maryland, New York, Alabama, Washington and Alaska).
Bob was a true patriot; serving his country with honor during his military duty, serving as a Boy Scout leader and supporter for many years, and consistently contributing his time, effort and money to many civic organizations. His memberships included American Fire Company #1 of Lansford Pennsylvania, Masons Carbon Lodge #242 of Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania, Loyal Order of Moose in Frederick Maryland, and the Association of the US Army.
Bob will always be fondly remembered by his many work associates, neighbors and friends everywhere for a life of consistently practicing and demonstrating his great love of America, work ethic, family values and community pride. Bob loved outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, camping and maintaining his property; he maintained a consistent physical fitness regimen as long as he was able. He was an avid reader and student of American history, and loved to engage in stimulating intellectual conversations with friends and family. Bob was a good man and a true gentleman; he and Irene made many, many life-long friends throughout his Army career, vacation travels and time living in Norwich.
The family welcomes all of Bob’s friends and acquaintances to join us for calling hours from 2-4 p.m., December 27th, 2014, including a brief Masonic Rites memorial service at 3:30, at the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home: 116 North Broad Street, Norwich, NY 13815 (phone: 607-334-8833).
The Sobers family would welcome flowers or donations in Bob’s name to his favorite charitable organizations:
S.P.C.A. Chenango, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815 (phone: 607-334-9724)
Masonic Children’s Home, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 (phone: 717-367-1121).