Robert F. Hastings

Hastings, Robert F.

(Bob)

Pittsford: July 9, 2016 at age 87. Bob was born in Rochester (Brighton) but spent his formative years in Webster. He graduated from the Aquinas Institute of Rochester and received an Associates Degree in Business from RBI. He and his wife, Mary, spent most of their married life in Pittsford. Since retiring they spent 7 months of the year in Osprey, Florida.

From an early age Bob was enamored of cars and always dreamed of having his own dealership. After working at Delco Products and Hoselton Chevrolet, his dream was realized when he opened Bob Hastings Oldsmobile in 1971. Eventually he founded the Bob Hastings Automotive Group which consisted of Oldsmobile, Ford, two Saturn stores, GMC and a Collision Shop. He earned many awards through his automotive career including an appointment by General Motors to serve on the President's Dealership Advisory Council in Detroit in 1982. Under his leadership the dealerships remained in the Elite Group of the nation and received many awards for sales, service and customer satisfaction. As retirement neared he started turning over running the businesses to dedicated managers who eventually purchased the dealerships.

It was always his desire to give back to the community that had helped him become successful. In 1997, Bob and his wife made a sizable donation to St. John's Home to erect the Hastings Building in the memory of his mother who had received excellent care there. For many years they sponsored a summer camp at St. John's for city youth and enjoyed seeing the interaction of the elderly with the children.

As a proud alumnus of Aquinas, Bob and his wife, Mary, established an endowment scholarship fund to provide tuition assistance for students. They were also supportive of the Fine Arts Program and a Black Box Theatre and multi-purpose performance area was named in their honor. In June of 2005 at the graduation ceremony, Bob received the Distinguished Alumnus award from Aquinas President, Mike Daley. The Mary P. Hastings and Ann K. Wegman Library was funded by Bob and his cousin Phil in 2008 in honor of their wives who were elementary school teachers for several years.

Bob's involvement in Roberts Wesleyan College was generated by his interest in higher education for young people in the Rochester community. He and his wife were active participants on the Board of Reference for Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary. They were honored to be the first recipients of the President's Award for Excellence which was presented by Dr. John Martin May 10, 2007. The Hastings Academic Center which was established to serve as headquarters for the college's Business and Teacher Education department opened in September 2008.

The Hastings' interest in children led them to support School of the Holy Childhood and Hope Hall through their foundation. Bob also took great pleasure in providing support to the annual bicycle giveaway for underprivileged children in the Venice, Florida area.

As he spent more time in Florida, he became a boating enthusiast and liked sharing the waterways with "northern vistors." He found much joy in his extensive miniature car collection and tinkering with his model train display. He loved all sports both as a participant and spectator which led him to pursuing golf at the Oaks Club in Florida, Oak Hill Country Club and the Country Club of Rochester. When asked about golf, he responded I don't play golf; I "play at golf." After working many years, he just enjoyed relaxing in the open air.

Predeceased by his parents, William and Ruth Hastings; brother, William Hastings; father and mother-in-law, Raymond and Beatrice Peer. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary; sisters, Sally (Donald) Schinder and Judy (Alan) Strenzwilk; sister-in-law, Bonnie Hastings; several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Bob's life will be held on Sunday, August 7, 2 PM at Oak Hill Country Club, 145 Kilbourn Rd. You are invited to bring a written memory of Bob for the family's memory book. Memorial donations may be directed to the Aquinas Institute, 1127 Dewey Ave. Rochester NY 14613; Hope Hall, 1612 Buffalo Rd., Rochester NY 14624, or School of the Holy Childhood, 100 Groton Pkwy, Rochester NY 14623. To share a memory of Bob, or leave a condolence visit www.anthonychapels.com.