Robert W. Prior, 79, of 5844 State Route 417 passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at Jones Memorial Hospital, with family at his side. He was born January 1, 1942 in Mount Claire, NJ, the son of Gordon M. and Sophia T. (Chiera) Prior. On August 21, 1983 in Allentown he married Linda L. Gerringer who Survives.
Bob was a graduate of the Wellsville High School, after which he served with the U.S Air Force from 1961 to 1965. Upon Returning from serving his country, Bob helped on the family farm. In June of 1965 he began his career with Worthington Corporation, after 39 years Bob retired from Dresser- Rand Corporation in 2004. He devoted his life to helping others, he spent 52 years as a vital member of the Allentown Volunteer Fire Company, where he served many roles including, Fire Chief, and at the time of his passing he was the company treasurer. In 2011 he felt a new calling and joined the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, where at the age of 70 he achieved his very first EMT certification, a mile mark in today’s society. Bob served many years on the Allegany County Fire Advisory Board and the EMS Council. He loved planes, and spent much of his free time working with the War Plane Museum in Corning, NY, and traveling with the historic B-17’s.
Surviving in addition to his wife Linda, are seven children, Donna Prior, Scott (Cara) Prior, Robert (Amy) Prior Jr, Jeannie Prior, Kevin (Shawn) Rex, Michelle (Todd) Taylor, Leisa (Tom) Foley, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 7:00 to 9:00pm at the Allentown Volunteer Fire Company. On Wednesday May 12 at 1:00 pm there will be a celebration of life at the Allentown Volunteer Fire Company with a Luncheon to follow. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Andover at a later date.
Please consider memorial donations to the Allentown Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 82, Allentown, NY 14707, the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 206, Wellsville, NY 14895, or Allegany County Cancer Services, 100 S. Highland Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895
