Robert L. Gedeon, Sr.

Robert L. Gedeon, Sr., 86, died peacefully Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center after a brief hospitalization. He was born in Utica, New York on March 15, 1933 and was the son of Ernest R. Gedeon, Sr.. And Margaret (Skelly) Gedeon.

Bob was deeply devoted to his family,  he cherished family gatherings.

He is survived by his beloved wife of  nearly 61 years, Lois (Grace) Gedeon, four children: Dr. Robert L., Jr. (Paula) Gedeon, Carolyn D. (Steven) Barry, James F. Gedeon and Kathleen A. (Dr. Stephen) Cook, his sister Kathleen A. (Eugene) Ziemba, and his sisters-in-law, Mary C. Grace and Angela (late Ernest R. Jr.) Gedeon And his nine very special grandchildren: Kevin, Meaghan, Kelly and Katherine (Kate) Barry, Grace Gedeon, Bridget Gedeon, Shannon, Erin, and Molly Cook, and great nieces and nephews.

Bob was predeceased by his brother, Ernest, Jr., sister Margaret Kirkpatrick (late John E., Sr.), his sister-in-law Margaret “Jean” (Grace) Gedeon and brother-in-law John J. Grace, Jr. 

Bob enlisted in the Air Force at the outbreak of the Korean conflict in 1950. He served at Headquarters, 2nd Air Force (SAC) prior to his reassignment to the 307th Bomb Wing.   Following his honorable discharge in 1954, he attended Niagara University.

He was employed for over 31 years by The Permanent Savings Bank (formally The Niagara Permanent Savings and Loan Association), where he rose from the position of teller to become President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee.   Subsequent to his banking career he served as vice president of SPUR, Inc. and later as vice president of the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce, retiring in 1997.

Bob was an active member of the Niagara Falls and Buffalo communities and served in a leadership capacity in many banking, civic and religious organizations.

He was a regular communicant of St. Peter R.C. Church in Lewiston, a charter member of Niagara Catholic High School Board of Trustees, a life member of the Knights of Columbus and was a member of the Buffalo Diocesan Board of Education for 13 years, serving on the board’s finance committee.

Among his other activities,  he served as a former member of Niagara University’s President’s Advisory Council, The Salvation Army Advisory Board, Vice Chairman of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community celebration and program coordinator for the Niagara Beautification Commission, Gluck Park restoration committee. He was past president of the Niagara Falls Sertoma Club and LaSalle Zone 6 Little League and past chair of the Black Achievers recognition awards dinner.

Family will be present Sunday from 4-7PM at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 901 Cayuga St. LEWISTON,  NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 10AM at St. Peter's Church, 620 Center St., Lewiston, NY, with Rev. Vincent O'Malley CM officiating.

Interment with Military Honors in Riverdale Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined, if desired, a memorial contribution may be made to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital, Boys Town,  St Peter's School Scholarship Fund, or Niagara University.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com for guest register.

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