Robert E. Congdon

Robert Elmer Congdon of 118 Troy Road, Ithaca, passed away at home on August 9, 2013 at the age of 90.

Robert was born in Syracuse on October 31, 1922, a son of the late Harry and Elizabeth Congdon. Bob grew up in Ithaca and met his future wife, Barbara Porter, at the age of 14. The two would marry in August of 1943, and this year would have been their 70th wedding anniversary. After attending Ithaca College for one year, Bob was drafted into the United States Army during World War II. He transferred to the Air Force and attended Bombardier school. Upon being honorable discharged in 1945, Bob returned to Pennsylvania and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from East Stroudsburg College. Following his graduation Bob returned to Ithaca and took his first job as a physical education teacher in Virgil and soon after took a second teaching job in Hancock. Several years later, Bob took a job at Ithaca High School where he would teach physical education and coached JV football, basketball, and baseball. Bob was an advocate for driver’s education and believed it should always be a part of the curriculum. After 14 years at Ithaca High School, Bob took a job as the Associate Professor in the School of Allied Health and Physical Education at Ithaca College. He continued to coach basketball there for the next 25 years. Bob and his wife, Barbara live in a home on Troy Road, where many grandchildren and great grandchildren have happily run and played over the years. His home away from home was located in Cape Cod where his family built many memorable times.

Above all, Bob had unconditional love for his family. His lifelong goal was to provide for his wife and children, while instilling in them the importance of family and hard work.

Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara; two sons, Robert (Mary Jo) Congdon Jr. of Ithaca and William Congdon of Ithaca; three daughters, Susan (Steven) Flanders of Trumansburg, Nancy Congdon of Ithaca, and Janet Congdon of St. Thomas; eight grandchildren, Caren Congdon of Nutley, NJ, Rob (Michelle) Congdon of Minden, NV, Tara (Andrew) Gross of Lansing, Shannon (Stuart) Eubank of Greensboro, NC, Aaron Flanders of Ithaca, Bobbi Jo Kimmich of NYC, Mary (Scott) Garin of Ithaca, and Patrick (Danielle) Kimmich of Ithaca; seven great grandchildren, Camden, Noah, Jacob, Samantha, Ryan, Brooke, and Quincy; and a nephew and niece, Jerry Congdon and Sally (Shelly) Morgan. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by a brother, Harry Congdon Jr; and sister in law, Shirley Congdon.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at the Agape Bible Church, 264 Applegate Road S., Ithaca.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who wish to remember Bob in the form of a contribution to kindly consider Hospicare, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090.