Obituary of Robert J. Congdon

Robert J. Congdon, 87, of 42 Wescott St. Jamestown passed away at 1:55 a.m. Monday, November 9, 2015, in the Heritage Park Rehab and Skilled Nursing Facility. An area resident for most of his life, he was born October 16, 1928 in Watertown, NY a son of the late Walter Benjamin and Pearl Hatsel Congdon. Before his retirement he was employed as a plater, and later as a truck driver, for the Jamestown Electro-Plating Works, Inc. where he worked for 45 years. Bob was a member of the Jamestown Moose Lodge, the Westfield Moose Lodge and the Ingjald Lodge 65, Independent Order of the Vikings. He enjoyed flying, soaring and owned his own glider as a member of the Aero Soaring Club at Dart Field. He will be remembered as a very loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed his trips to Madeira Beach, FL, Gulfport, MS, and time spent at his campsite with friends and family at Blue Water Beach Campground in Westfield. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and was also a very giving and patient person who loved all kinds of animals. He also had a wonderful singing voice and enjoyed karaoke and singing show tunes. Surviving are his wife of 69 years, Florence E. Johnson Congdon whom he married November 24, 1946, three daughters, Janet (Tim) Fagerstrom of Ashville, NY, Judy (Dan) Bernhardt of Gulfport, MS and Robin (Fred) Meacham of Celoron, NY, four grandchildren, Robert (Kristin) Peterson of Parker, CO, Todd (Nancy) Bernhardt of Farmington, NY, Nicole (Brian Miller) Bernhardt of Gulfport, MS, Rebecca (Shawn) Rowland of Jamestown, NY, ten great grandchildren, Eric, Tyler, Alex and Elizabeth Bernhardt, Jack and Madelyn Peterson,Trent, Shane, Jordan and Jolie Rowland, a sister, Margaret (Lynn) Johnson of Gerry, NY as well as several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Congdon and his best friend Toby the cat. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Visitation will not be observed. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery, Westfield, NY. Memorials may be made to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Rd. Jamestown, NY 14701 or to a charity of one's choice.