Forestville: Robert Lee Hartloff, Jr. (lovingly called “Bob” or “Bobby”), 58, of Forestville, died unexpectedly Thursday, August 20, 2026 at his residence. He was born in Buffalo on March 7, 1968, the son of the late Robert and Darlene (Harrison) Hartloff, Sr.
He was a graduate of Forestville Central School, Class of 1986 and was currently working as a Machinist for Excelco/Newbrook, Inc. in Silver Creek, for approximately 40 years. Bob was also Owner/Operator of Hartloff Builders in Forestville.
He was a member of Sunset Drifters Snowmobile Club, Buffalo & Gowanda Model Railroad Club in Gowanda and Hanover Center Fire Department-where he was an interior firefighter and an EMT. Bob was a past member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club and was a certified drone operator, having many videos on YouTube. He was an avid vintage snowmobile collector and model train enthusiast. Bob was always the clown at the party with “pull my finger” and giving “wet willies”. He was truly “selfless to a fault” and will be sadly missed by his family, many loving friends and his dog “Ethel”.
Survivors include two stepdaughters; Michelle (Brian) Wilson, Kristen (Edward Eaker) Kron, two siters; Renee Hartloff and Maci Hartloff, and a brother Travis Hartloff. Also surviving are five grandchildren; Greyson, Briggs, Eliana, Hunter and Maren, two nieces; Bethany (Jackson) Bennett, Brittany (Nathan) Cope-Mekus, a nephew Eric (Amanda) Cope and several great nieces, nephews & cousins. Besides his parents he was predeceased by two brothers; Scott and Patrick Hartloff, infant sister Rachelle Lynn Hartloff, nephew Alex Cope, nephew & godson Adam Cope and infant grandson Marshall.
Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Tuesday from 7-9 PM and Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM from where funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 11 o’clock with Rev. Michael Pollock, pastor of Gage Chapel Community Church, Smith Mills, officiating. Interment will follow in Balltown Cemetery. A Fireman’s Service will be conducted by members of Hanover Center Fire Department Wednesday at 7 PM in the Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorials may be made to Hanover Hose Co. #1 % Steve Peters, 11919 Hanover Road, Silver Creek, NY 14136. To post condolences or memories go to https://rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
