Robert H. Gessner

Robert H. “Bob” Gessner of Trumansburg passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at the age of 86.

Bob was born in Buffalo on July 27, 1928, a son of the late Arthur W. and Margaret (Debo) Gessner. He honorably served his country in the United States Army teaching tank maintenance. For 30 years, Bob owned and operated R.H. Gessner Company in Buffalo, retiring in 1992.

A master wood turner, Bob made beautiful hand crafted items that he shared with family and proudly displayed in his home. He was extremely knowledgeable with antique firearms and collected several over the years. Bob built his home on Cayuga Lake and enjoyed taking advantage of all lake life had to offer. He loved boating, fishing, and drinking Manhattans with friends and family.

Bob is survived by his wife, Cyndi Gessner; a daughter Diane (Maureen) Gessner; daily companion, Tiger Kitty; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by first wife, Patricia Gessner in 1975; brother, Arthur Gessner; sister in law, Joan Gessner; and his granddogs, Marty, Fairmont, and Jewels.

A Mass will be celebrated at 1:00pm on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at St. James Catholic Church, 17 Whig Street, Trumansburg by Father Bernard Maloney. A reception will immediately follow at the Trumansburg Fire Department.

The family asks those who would like to make a contribution in Bob’s memory to kindly consider the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220 or Hospicare, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850