Robert A. Underwood
OTEGO -- Robert A. Underwood, of Otego, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, his twin sister's birthday. He was born a few minutes after midnight on Aug. 1, 1930, to Ralph and Ethel (Griswold) Underwood in Sidney.
In 1961, Robert married Patricia Peck in Masonville and together they raised six children, teaching them to appreciate nature and the simple things in life.
After serving as an airplane mechanic in the United States Air Force in Hawaii, he started a career in GLF/Agway of Otego as a supervising service technician and served area farmers for many years. Robert built his first home in Bainbridge and continued to build houses in the Otego area for many years. For the last 15 years, he worked for Green Thumb at Job Corps in Oneonta.
Bob served the Otego Rod and Gun Club for nearly 50 years, many of those as president. He enjoyed family gatherings, fishing, hunting and camping. He loved "puttering" and woodworking and will always be remembered for sitting by his woodstove smoking his pipe, no matter what the weather. He cherished the home he built in Otego and spending time watching his garden grow and pulling weeds.
He is survived by his beautiful wife, Patricia; his children, Roberta Hitchcock of Bainbridge, Debra (Michael) Nichols of Gilberstville, Robert Jr. ( Debra) Underwood of Tupelo, Miss., Penny ( Peter) Eldred of Greene, Colleen Kirk of Franklin and Lisa (Bruce) Junge of Howell, N.J.
His grandchildren, of whom he had 21, as well as 19 great-grandchildren, will always remember grandpa teaching them the "take what you want but eat what you take" policy and removing their hats at the table.
Robert was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Ethel; his stepfather, Thomas Smith; his twin sister, Betty, and granddaughter, Kelly Jean Nichols.
There are no calling hours. A private gathering for family and friends will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 2, at his home in Otego.
Donations may be made in Robert's name to Otego Emergency Squad and Fire Department, 5 River St., Otego, NY 13825 or the Otego Rod and Gun Club, Secor Road, Otego, NY 13825.
To light a candle or to send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Otego.
