Robert A. “Bob” Werlau, 81, of Norwich, passed away on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at Chenango Memorial Hospital with his loving children by his side.
Born on November 28, 1936, in New Berlin, Bob was the son of Louis and Helen (Cole) Werlau, and was one of their three children. He spent his childhood growing up in both New Berlin and Norwich. For many years, Bob worked as a truck driver for various companies. One of his most favorite jobs, though, was as a lineman for a phone company and climbing telephone poles as part of his job duties. He also served for many years as a volunteer firefighter for the Norwich City Fire Department. Bob relocated to West Virginia later in life to be nearer to his daughters who resided there, and lived there for 15 years. For many years, though, he longed to return to Norwich, and its snowy winters, which Bob did in 2014. He remained in Norwich until his death. In his final years, Bob was a fixture at the Park Place Restaurant where, without accepting payment, he enjoyed wrapping utensils in napkins while drinking his coffee and chatting with the restaurant’s patrons. Bob also enjoyed collecting hobby trains, was a talented artist and had many drawings, and found peace while hunting and fishing.
Bob is survived by his children Renae (Christopher) Cramphin, Veronica (Carlos) Amaral, James D. (Susan) Fitzpatrick, William F. (Wendy) Fitzpatrick, Robyn Werlau, Robert Werlau, and Kimberly Freeman; grandchildren George, Nicole, Kyle, Joseph, Joshua, Tyler, Brennan, Alyssa, and Caleb; seven great-grandchildren; siblings Darlene (Randy) Sheldon, Dennis (Linda) Werlau, and David (Jeanette) Cummings; and several nieces and nephews.
The family invites friends to gather at the Wilson Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. to share memories and celebrate the life of Bob. Contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to the Norwich Fire Department, 31 East Main Street, Norwich, NY 13815. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.