Thursday, May 2, 2024 | St. Lawrence County, NY
HEUVELTON -- Robert George Willard, age 81, of Heuvelton, NY, passed away on the morning of April 7, 2024, at Albany Medical Center.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home, Ogdensburg.
Robert is survived by his children, Valerie Willard of Rensselaer Falls, NY, Robert Willard, Jr. and his former wife, Chona of Alexandria, Virginia, and Walter Willard and his wife, Betsy, of Heuvelton, NY; five grandchildren, Andrew Rupert, Alyssa Rupert, Dakota Willard, Carina Willard and Annasofia Willard; his former wife, Anne Howes; and several nieces and nephews. He was also expecting the birth of his first great-grandchild in July, a girl to be born to Andrew.
Robert is predeceased by his siblings, Richard (Tom) Willard, Leonard Willard, Walter Smithers, William Willard, Charles Willard, Donald Willard, Nina Mae Borgeson and James Willard.
Robert (Bob) was born at the family home on March 20, 1943, in Heuvelton, NY, the son of the late Walter Van Willard and June Emma (Pike) Willard.
He enlisted in the United States Army in August 1962 and was later honorably discharged in September 1966.
Upon returning home from the military Bob went to work helping with the family farm.
Bob also worked for Diamond National and later became a truck driver for various companies such as Peter’s Paving, and ST Trucking until the time of his retirement.
Bob was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was known for his love of tractors, chainsaws, and the serenity of the woods.
He could always be found tinkering in the barn or riding his 4-wheeler along his property and in the woods.
Bob's passion for life was matched only by his dedication to serving his country and supporting fellow veterans. He was proud to be an Army veteran and spoke of this to the very end.
Bob's legacy of resilience and camaraderie will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
An honorary graveside service and celebration of life will be held in the near future.
Donations may be made in Bob's memory to a VFW of one's choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.
