Robert T. “Bob” Headley – 91 – of Hornell, died Sunday afternoon (November 2, 2025) following a long illness.
Born in Bellefonte, PA on June 8, 1934, he was the son of Robert & Mary (Thomas) Headley.
Bob (AKA “Nice Guy Bob”) grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1953). Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy (January 1954) and served his country for 20 years. After completing boot camp, he was assigned to the Amphibious Construction Battalion to Little Creek, VA. Reenlisting in 1958, Bob was transferred to the District of Intelligence Office 10th Naval District in San Jan, PR, where he was stationed for two years. From 1960 to January 1963, Bob served at the Naval Recruiting Station in Buffalo, NY before being transferred to Communications Technical School in Pensacola, FL. Upon completion of school, he was transferred to Naval Communications Station in San Miguel, Philippines. In June of 1965, Bob was transferred to the Naval Communications Station in Kimaseya, Japan. Three years later, he was transferred to Cinclantflt, Norfolk, VA. In July of 1970, Bob was transferred to the Naval Communications Station in Sidiya, Morocco. Returning to the US, Bob was honorably discharged and retired from the US Navy on June 27, 1973, earning the rank of Communications Technician Chief Petty Officer (CTOC).
From 1973 to 1978, Bob resided in Bath, NY where he had been employed at the Steuben County Department of Social Services and later served as a supervisor of the communications room and mail room at Ingersol Rand Corporation.
In 1978, Bob moved to Hornell and opened Convenient Food Mart (corner of Main and Allen Streets) which he operated until 1996. During his 18 years at Convenient, Bob enjoyed visiting with his many customers and knew nearly all of them by their first names. He was known for teaching middle schoolers how to count to 5 when they came in for snacks. Throughout the years, Bob also owned and operated a Gumball business, supplying gumball machines to area businesses. He also owned and operated a Pay Telephone Business, supplying 38 payphones throughout Steuben County, Allegany County, and Livingston County.
Bob was a former member of Park Methodist Church and had been a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge, Hornell Elks Lodge, the Hornell American Legion, the Trinity Methodist Church in Bradenton, FL, and a member of the Naval Cryptological Veterans Association. He was an avid golfer and had been a member of the Twin Hickory Golf Club and played in the American Legion League at Twin Hickory and the Tribune League at the former Hornell Country Club. Bob resided in Florida from 2009 until returning to Hornell in May 2025.
He was married on January 1, 1957 to the former Bonita “Bonnie” Robinson who predeceased him on January 31, 2006 after 49 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Nancy Headley on May 11, 2025 and his second wife Ann Nickolas (whom he married August 26, 2022) on December 26, 2023.
Surviving are 2 sons, Robert Headley of Land O’Lakes, FL and Bill (Julie) Headley of Hornell; one daughter, Benna (Ted) Greenfield of Chittenango, NY; sister, Carol (Bob) Young of Canisteo; 5 grandchildren, Shavahn Headley, Jenna (Paul) Headley Schmidt, Brandon (Stephanie) Riggin, Matthew (Christine) Riggin, and Heather Greenfield; 3 great-grandsons, Landon & Brody Riggin and Mikele Riggin; 2 great-granddaughters, Kinsley Riggin and Celestine Riggin.
The family of Robert T. “Bob” Headley will receive friends on Monday, November 10, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY where a Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, November 11th at 11:00 AM with Deacon Bob McCormick officiating. Burial with full Military Honors will be in Rural Cemetery, Hornell, NY.
Bob’s family request that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.
In recognition of Bob’s service to his country as a veteran of the US Navy, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
