Obituary of Robert Gerry Rees

At the age of 82, Robert Gerry Rees, aka “The Syracuse Flyer” aka Bob, a race car enthusiast, expert eggpickler, pie contest winner, father, grandfather, best friend, and all-around amazing man, went to exchange his trophies here on earth, for his heavenly crown on May 29, 2019.

Bob started his earthly grand adventure on April 19, 1937 in Dobbs Ferry New York. He was a dedicated father, grandfather, friend, and faithful congregant of the Christian Church of Charleston Four Corners (where he faithfully showed up five minutes late, every single Sunday).

Whether it was throwing a line down in the local fishing hole, pacing around the Fonda or Syracuse racetrack, flying airplanes, building stuff, target shooting, cleaning his guns, winning 1st place in a pie baking contest (with just a toaster oven/microwave to use), using his unique innovative mind to build a race car engine from scraps, battling in Jeopardy, long talks on the phone with his daughters, being a social butterfly, or just spending time with his family and friends (who turned into family), his heart and soul was always faithfully devoted to whatever he did (even if it was just his daily coffee run to the truck stop).

Bob had a heart of gold, and soul that loved hard and deep. He lived by his morals and was a role model to many. He was a teacher, an innovator, and loved to share any and all knowledge he had. He loved his girls, he loved his Lord, and he loved his life. He was a hero to those who loved and admired him. His actions alone told the story of who he was and forever will be. He absolutely loved the sunshine, just as much as he appreciated the serene peace of a thunder storm. His appreciation for every ounce of beauty this earth had to offer, even found in places no one else could see, was inspiring and special. He took the good with the bad. He always triumphed, regardless of adversity, all while finding the silver lining on the darkest days.

Bob passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones; Allison, Liz, Brian, Ashton, Logan, Marty, Kathy, Pastor Brett, and Gretchen, as well as his Saint Mary’s ICU angels, who brought peace and honor during those last moments. He spent his last moments hearing them sing the hymn “The Old Rugged Cross”. He came onto this earth filled with love, dedication and faith, and graciously left this earth to meet his Savior, receiving those same gifts he had always given.

Bob believed in the goodness of life, and always said "tempus fugit"-"time flies". He was aware of this, so he took advantage of every ounce of good that life had to offer. This is a motto to live by, in his honor, as life and time surely do fly. Bob would love to know his legacy lives on, by everyone loving and living life, instead of just letting it fly by.

As Bob would say, "I’ll see you whenever, wherever,” because it was never "Goodbye.” So, as one last farewell, in honor of Bob, the Syracuse Flyer, #3...  "x Tempus-Fugit-Off x"!

Following his wishes, there will not be a formal service. A service with military honors will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 12:00 pm at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery located at 200 Duell Road Schuylerville, New York 12871. Donations can be made in his honor to the Christian Church of Charleston Four Corners, 1380 East Lykers Road, Sprakers New York, 12166, c/o Pastor Brett Popp.

The family will be holding a celebration of life gathering, information on this to be determined at a later date.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com