Rochester, NY: Friday, November 27, 2020 we said goodbye to a GREAT MAN… Bob was 74 years young and passed peacefully at home. He unfortunately spent the last 20+ yrs of his life with MS, he went from a walking cane to one of the fanciest wheelchairs I have ever seen and he did it all with determination we admired so much.
Bob retired from Rochester Gas and Electric after 37 years as an Electrical Engineer in the Substations division. He was known as a generous, compassionate and loving husband, brother, father and grandfather (Poppa) and will be missed by countless friends and neighbors.
He golfed and bowled in the work leagues and served as HOA Treasurer at Golden Oaks. He was active in the boys’ young athletic careers as their soccer coach, served in the Lancer Booster club, including time as president, while his sons were at Eastridge. He was an avid Bills fan since the early 70s and the Sabres since Brett Hull scored from the crease. He was a handy man who did car repairs, built a garage, installed a pool, expanded and renovated the kitchen, added a full bath, replaced a roof, chopped down trees, replaced many windows and countless other smaller home improvements and repairs. He also has a coin collection that requires a wheelbarrow to move.
He and wife, Carol, raised 4 great boys who will continue his legacy and there will not be a day he isn’t missed or mentioned with many memories to laugh about. His family meant the absolute world to him, especially his 10 grandchildren and it’s safe to say anyone who knew him immediately felt like family.
His wife, our Mom, Carol, is the epitome of In Sickness and In Health. She stood by him, supported him, put up with him and, for the last 6 months took care of him 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. She honored her promise to him that she would never put him in a nursing home. Dad didn’t want anyone other than Mom to take care of him and when he started hospice on Thanksgiving they didn’t have a nurse available to start until the next day. So that meant we all took turns being his “Hospice Nurse” until we could get help on Friday. However, Dad had another plan and of course, had to do things his way. We are certain he knew help was coming and someone other than mom would be caring for him. He chose to pass peacefully before anyone could even start.
We are relieved that he is no longer struggling with MS but instead walking, golfing, bowling and doing everything he hasn’t been able to do. His favorite thing to do was go on vacation with all 19 of us. He could never leave the house or even step foot on the beach. But he was still so happy to have us all together and be able to watch us on the beach from the deck. Dad, we promise to bring you back to the beach….ON THE BEACH and celebrate what a great man you were. We will miss you and love you always.
He is survived by wife, Carol; brother, Jerry; 4 sons and families: Michael, Ann, Joseph and Grace; David, Alison, Brady, Owen, Carter; Brian, Sara, Trevor, Jake, Ryann; Jason, Bobbie Jo, Taylor, Jordan.
No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Irondequoit Community Cupboard at:
ICC
c/o Debbie Evans
PO Box 17834
Rochester, NY 14617
Dear Calus Family: We are so saddened to hear about dear “Mr. C’s” passing. He was a very special person much loved by all! Went with me to wheel and deal on my first car purchase way back when. May all your special moments and memories help give you peace and comfort.
Dear Carol, Boys & Family: We were so lucky and honored to have you as neighbors and friends. Thank you for giving Bob all your love and care throughout his illness. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
I am sad to hear about this. I am sorry for your loss Calus Family. May the Lord be with you all.
To the Calus Family, We are very sorry to hear about Bob. A delightful character to know and love. He will be missed but so many good memories to relive will keep him in our hearts. The Werner and Clark Families
Dear Carole and Family,
This is very sad news! He was not only my Manager but he was my friend! When I left Rochester Gas and Electric Bob actually drove to Cazenovia, New York east of Syracuse, New York in a snow storm and spent the day with me wiring my new home with no heat.
Since I’ve been a Manager for over 25 years I can assure you Bob taught me how a true Manager treats his people and Manages his team.
At the 19th hole after a golf outing I had my wrist all bandaged from a cut. The week before Leon Harris had told a joke about safety a guy lowering a wheel barrel full of bricks which weighted more than him so he was off and then the wheel barrel hit the ground and bricks fell out so now he weighted more so he went down. The theme was LOST PRESENTS OF MIND. So Leon Harris told us that he was painting his house and put the ladder too straight up and when he got to the top he fell backwards to the ground! All I said was SO LEON YOU LOST YOUR PRESENTS OF MIND!
Bob was just in the process taking a BIG MOUTHFUL DRINK OF HIS BEER! Leon was sitting right across from Bob when it registered what I had said to Leon Bob proceeded to SPIT HIS WHOLE MOUTH FULL OF BEER IN LEONS FACE!
Bob was a GREAT FRIEND and he will be truly miss! Prayers for him, his wonderful wife, his wonderful adult children, his family and friends!