Robert N. Endries, 81, of Newtown, PA , died on January 9, 2018. Born in Edmeston, NY, Bob moved with his family to Norwich, NY, graduating from Norwich High School in 1954. He was active in varsity football and track and field, as well as the concert band and marching band. He held the Norwich High School shot put record for many years and, along with his undefeated 1952 football team, was inducted into the Norwich High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.
Bob maintained a great interest in and affection for Norwich, where he availed himself of the educational, athletic, and social activities which were widely available in his formative years. He fondly remembered YMCA activities early on, and cherished the positive influence of his parents, teachers, coaches, community leaders, and friends. In 2017, Bob established and endowed the Robert N. Endries Scholarship through The Greater Norwich Foundation to be awarded annually to a worthy student graduating from Norwich High School.
Bob attended Cornell University where he continued to participate in football and track and field, graduating in 1958 with a degree in Economics. He went on to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years, attaining the rank of Captain. Bob then attended Syracuse University College of Law, receiving an LLB degree in 1965. He served for many years as a member, and then as Chair, of the Board of Visitors of the College, led fund raising campaigns, and sponsored a lecture series. He was recognized for his service and contributions to the Law School when he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Law College Association of Syracuse University in 2000.
After graduating from law school, Bob returned to Norwich, passed the NY State Bar Exam and served as confidential clerk to Justice of the State Supreme Court, The Honorable David F. Lee, Jr. He left Norwich in 1966 to begin his 31 year career in corporate law with the Bristol-Myers Company, retiring in 1997.
Bob married Maria A. Rahola of Puerto Rico, on July 14, 1962. She died on January 23, 1994. Together, they raised a family in several communities, as Bob’s career included relocations to Syracuse, Evansville, IN, Westport, CT, and Princeton NJ.
He married Emily P. Brick, who survives him, on June 2, 1996, enjoying over twenty years together. He is also survived by his sons, Robert (Kari) of Danville, CA, Michael (Terri) of Syracuse, NY, and Gregory of New York City, stepchildren Elizabeth Brick of Seattle, WA, and Andrew (Jennifer) of Newtown, PA, grandchildren Alexander, Jack, Shamus, and Campbell, and step - grandchildren, Ian, Hayden, and Camryn, brothers David (Linda) of Chester, VA, and John (Anne) of Manlius, NY, sister Jill Wickham of Clinton, NY, stepmother Ida Endries of Hudson, FL, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Norton and Alice Endries of Norwich, NY.
Bob’s interest in sports continued throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed playing tennis and golf, and was an avid fan of Syracuse University football and basketball. In addition to sports, his interests included family, friends, music, travel, reading and movies. He will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, loyalty, kindness, and patriotism.
Private services will be held at the Sherburne West Hill Cemetery, Sherburne, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Norwich Family YMCA, 68 North Broad Street, Norwich, NY, 13815.
Local arrangements are by the Swartz- Givnish Funeral Home.
To view obituary on line visit: www.swartzgivnish.com