Obituary Notice – C. Robert “Bob” Militello

FORESTVILLE:  C. Robert “Bob” Militello, 74, of Rt. 39 Forestville, died Saturday, March 12th, 2016 at his residence, following a short illness.  He was born in Dunkirk, on July 18, 1941, the son of the late Frank R. and Bessie “Betty” (Grizanti) Militello.  Mr. Militello was a graduate of Forestville Central School, Class of 1958 and a graduate of Cornell University in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

He served in the National Guard and currently owned Militello Farm Supply, Inc. Forestville, for 32 years.  In 1964, Mr. Militello worked for National Grape Cooperative as a Field Man, worked for the former Agway for 4 years and the former Helena Company for 2 years also as a Field Man, and then became a full time grape grower in 1978.  In 1965, he started Militello Farms and in 2001 he and his son James formed Militello Farms, LLC.  Mr. Militello was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fredonia, where he served as Elder & Treasurer for many years, served on the Board of Directors for the National Grape Cooperative for 33 years and the Board of Directors for Welch’s for 10 years.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, vegetable gardening, playing the piano and guitar, wine tasting and vacationing in Aruba.

Survivors include a daughter, Suzanne Militello, of Fredonia; two sons Martin (Julia) Militello, of Stokesdale, NC; James (Jeannine) Militello, of Fredonia; and a sister, Janet (Militello) Call, of Little Elm, Texas.  Also surviving are his Special Friend Peggy Kleparek, 5 grandchildren- Zachary, Olivia, Faith, Libby & Avery Militello and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.  Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife Judy A. (Brinkman) Militello, whom he married March 26, 1966 in Trinity Lutheran Church, Silver Creek and who died December 20, 2010.

Friends are welcome to call at the Riles and Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville, on Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm.  Funeral Services will be held Monday morning at 10 o’clock, from St. Paul Lutheran Church, 334 Temple Street, Fredonia, with Rev. William Novack officiating.  Private Interment will be in Sheridan Center Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials may be made either to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 334 Temple Street, Fredonia, NY 14063 or to HOSPICE Chautauqua County, 20 West Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750.  To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.