FREDONIA: Robert “Bob” W. Eggleston, 71, of Stone Quarry Road, Fredonia, formerly of Forestville, died Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 peacefully in his sleep, at his residence. He was born in Springville, on April 28, 1949, the son of the late Frederick Eggleston, Sr. and Ruth (Schmill) Eggleston Matthews.
Bob was a graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School in Tonawanda, Class of 1967 and currently owned & operated Bob Eggleston Tax Accounting Fredonia, providing Bookkeeping and Accounting services to many people in the area for approximately 40 years. He was a life-member of Forestville Fire Department, joining in 1976 where held several positions. Bob was also an EMT Instructor/Coordinator in Cattaraugus County. He loved the Three Stooges and enjoyed spending time with his family and grandson.
Survivors include a daughter, Jessica (Ryan) Yonkie, of Fredonia; and a sister, Anna Fitch, of Brocton. Also surviving are a grandson Brandon Robert Yonkie and several nieces & nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth “Betty” (Highley) Eggleston, whom he married on September 9, 1972 in Foresstville and who died November 7, 2007, sisters Sharon Parks, Mary Ann Castleberry, infant sister Viola Ruth Eggleston, brothers Frederick “Fritz” Eggleston, Jr., Francis “Frank” Eggleston, John Eggleston, Sr. and infant brother Peter Eggleston.
Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville today from 2-4 and 7-9 PM from where a Catholic Burial Service will be held Saturday morning at 10 o’clock with Rev. Daniel Fiebelkorn, pastor of Faith Community of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, officiating. Interment will follow in Forestville Cemetery. A Fireman’s service will be conducted by members of the Forestville Fire Department at 7 o’clock in the funeral home. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, occupancy has now been raised to 50% in the building at a time (approximately 80 people).
The family suggests memorials may be made either to the Forestville Fire Dept. Emergency & Rescue Squad, PO Box 299, Forestville, NY 14062 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
3 Comments
Ann Brighton
Bob passed away yesterday after valiantly battling a progressive disease. He was in and out of hospital many times , yet continued to do his job as a tax filer, continued to enjoy “farming” (planting vegetables,etc) remodeling his “new” place in Fredonia near his beloved daughter, Jessica, her husband ,Ryan, and grandson, Brandon. Over the recent years, he had gradually left his job as EMT and EMT trainer. He would call me each year, and bring his sister Annie and her husband Duane and we would all meet in Lackawanna to visit the Basilica and pray for a miracle from Fr. Baker. He enjoyed the Three Stooges and sent Christmas Cards with him pictured amongst them. He enjoyed a good laugh, and we enjoyed talking on the phone and reminiscing about days in Dunkirk and about the farm. He was working on family genealogy and found some connections in Lake George about a hundred years ago. He visited family in cemetery out by Indian Falls, I think. We both visited the burial site of a young baby cousin who died during the 1918 pandemic and is buried near the Basilica.
Over the years, He used to walk through Church carefully, then with a cane, then with his motorized chair. He would joke rather than complain. He organized, tried to revitalize family reunions. Jim Crossan and I and Marty went to several. Gay Eggleston, Bill Eggleston, Robbie and Carol Schott, Bobbie and Tony Tumiel would be there, also. He got the horseshoes going again.
He was very full of faith and watched religious programs on TV because lately he could not get into local church (even before pandemic because no wheelchair access).
I felt better after we talked or had a hotdog along Lake Erie near Dunkirk. He was an inspiration to me, I enjoyed seeing him and talking with him. He was very courageous, never complaining about his physical problems, though in and out of hospital many times. He inspired me with his determination to keep going. I think his body just got tired. I will miss him.
Ann Schott Brighton
PS Hello Fr. Baker. He is up there. Please take care of him.
Jackie Kulpa
My Dearest Jess, Chopper and I would like to extend our sincerest sympathy to you and your family. We are heart-broken to learn of his passing. Bob was such an intelligent, thoughtful, humorous, big-hearted, and wonderful person. He always spoke so highly of you; he was very proud of you Jess. All our love, Jackie Kulpa & Chopper Wilcox
MaryAnn Nagel
Dear Family Jessica, Ryan and Brandon,
We so wish to express our sympathy and sadness for your loss of such a special man. He will be greatly missed. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Clint and MaryAnn Nagel