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Robert P. “Bob” Ormsby, 72, Alfred

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Robert P. “Bob” Ormsby, 72, passed away on Wednesday (September 15, 2021) at St. James Hospital in Hornellsville following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Ormsby was born in North Hornell on August 11, 1949 to Harold and Viola (Northrup) Ormsby. He was a 1967 graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School, attended Alfred Agricultural Technical College, and later earned his teaching degree from Mansfield University in Mansfield, Pa. On August 3, 1968, in Canacadea, he married Carol J. Slocum, who survives.

Robert was a field technician for Dairy One in Ithaca until he was medically retired in 2015. He also taught high school English at Athens, North Penn, and Newport Christian school districts.

In addition to his wife of 53 years, Bob is survived by a son, Paul Robert Ormsby of Alfred Station; a daughter, Susan J. (Joseph) Rounsville of Henrietta; one brother, Eugene Ormsby of Hornell; two sister’s-in law, Sally Ormsby of Hornell and Emily Ormsby of Alfred Station; two brother’s-in-law, Gordon (Beth) Slocum of Bartlesville, Okla. and Gerald (Pam) Slocum of Camden, Del.; three grandchildren, Olivia Ormsby of Almond, Andrew (Stephanie) Rounsville of Rochester and Adam Rounsville of Henrietta; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by an infant son, Timothy Ormsby and three brothers, infant Michael Ormsby, George H. Ormsby and Donald Ormsby.

Bob appreciated and embraced the rural lifestyle and his humble roots. He was the keeper of both the written genealogy of the local Ormsby family name and an accurate and reliable resource for stories, connections, and lore of Railroad and East Valleys. A gifted storyteller, Bob could weave and craft a story or joke to include just enough personal and believable details to draw the listener in and reveled in his near impeccable delivery. Never at a loss for words Bob had the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. For many years as a high school English teacher he would begin the school year with the following quote on the blackboard: “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.” That was Bob.

Bob was a member of the Baker-Bridge Historical Society where he served as vice-president and was on the Board of Directors of Maplewood Cemetery. He was also a lifetime member of the Almond Grange, a member of the Allegany County Pomona Grange where he served as treasurer, and served a term on the Alfred Town Board.

In lieu of visitation or flowers please send a card with a favorite memory, story, or joke (it doesn’t even have to be one of Bob’s) in c/o the Ormsby Family 809 Sibley Road, Alfred Station, NY  14803. A private graveside service will be held in Maplewood Cemetery in Alfred Station will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to the Alfred Ambulance Corps, PO Box 582, Alfred, NY 14802.  © 2021 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.

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