NORWICH – G. Robert Beardsley, 88, a life long resident of Norwich, passed away Saturday morning, Aug. 13, 2011, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Bob was born in Norwich in February of 1923, the son of Franklin and Blanche (Brisse) Beardsley. In 1957 he married Margaret Ropes, who passed away in 1975.
Bob grew up in Norwich and was a graduate of the Norwich High School. Following his education, Bob entered the United States Army serving in the 10th Mountain Division in Italy. He had worked for many years for the Bennett-Ireland Co. and his last employment was working as a custodian at the Chenango County Office Building, from which he retired.
Bob’s true passion in life was working with wood. Extremely talented in woodworking, Bob had his own woodlot where he would cut and mill his own trees, turning them into furniture and works of art for his family and friends.
A member of the First Baptist Church of Norwich, Bob was the oldest and longest member of the church.
Bob is survived by his step-children, Barb George of Binghamton, Betty Chase of Newark Valley and John Hoag of Box Elder, S.D., his nieces and nephews, Cyndy Beardsley of Wheat Ridge, Colo., Robert Beardsley of Boulder, Colo., Sharon Oser of Phoenix, Ariz., Mary Beth Einkaus of California and Raymond (Rena) Doing of South Plymouth. Several great nieces and nephews also survive.
Besides his wife Margaret, Bob was predeceased by his sister Evelyn Doing and his brothers James and Richard Beardsley.
Graveside services for Bob will be held at 10 a.m. Friday from the Mt. Hope cemetery. The Rev David Spiegel, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Norwich, will officiate.
Please consider memorial contributions to the First Baptist Church, 10 West Park Place, Norwich.
Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.