NORWICH – Robert W. Townsend, 80, of Norwich, passed away Thursday evening, Dec. 1, 2011, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.
Bob was born in Norwich in March of 1931, the son of Robert and Genevieve Colegrove Townsend Benton. He grew up in Norwich and was a 1949 graduate of the Norwich High School. In January of 1951 Bob entered the United States Navy, serving his country until his honorable discharge in November of 1954. Returning home to Norwich, he gained employment with the Norwich Pharmacal Co. and GLA. He subsequently left the area and made his home in Ohio, Arizona and finally in Texas where he settled in 1977. While living in Texas, Bob worked as a real estate agent and also sold insurance. He returned to the Norwich area in 1997 where he enjoyed his retirement.
Bob was not a man to sit idle. He was always doing odd jobs and handywork for anyone who needed a hand. Bowling and hunting were some of his favorite past times, but if a good game of cards came along, especially a game of hand and foot, everything else took a back seat.
On June 26, 1970, he married Eleanor Ayer, who passed away Aug. 17, 1997 and on May 12, 2006, he married Katherine Hill Ashcraft, who survives.
Besides his wife Kathy of Norwich, Bob is survived by his children Marsha Burns and husband Keith of Summerville, S.C., Edwin Tucker of Missouri, Annie Smith of Texas, Timothy Ashcraft and wife Kathy of Florida, Tammy Tubbs and husband Donald of Norwich and Jennifer Gantt also of Norwich, his sisters Margery Kocher and husband Lee of Sherburne and Carol Brown and husband Martin of Crimora, Va. Also surviving are many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and his first wife Karol.
Bob was predeceased by his wives Ethel and Eleanor.
A funeral service for Bob will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday from the Calvary Baptist Church of Norwich. The Rev. Brian Conover, pastor, will officiate. Interment with full military rites will follow in the North Norwich Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Calvary Baptist Church, 75 Calvary Drive, Norwich, NY 13815.