Robert F. Sykes

1924 - 2018

Robert F. Sykes

Rochester - Robert Foulkes Sykes, 94, born February 9,1924 in Rochester, NY the son of Wadsworth Coyne and Helen Foulkes Sykes. He passed away on May 6, 2018 after a life well lived. Predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Catherine Hargrave Sykes; his sister, Virginia Kanz, and brother, David Sykes. Survived by four children, Kate Massie (Richard), Peter Sykes (Lisa), Bill Sykes (Lisa AJ), and David Sykes (Maura) and twelve grandchildren, Alex(Chris) Kuschel, Patrick (Brenda) Massie, Robert (Katie) Massie, and Eliza (Matt) Dooley, Wadsworth, Rory, and Emma Sykes, Eric and Maria Sykes, Brian, Kevin, and Bridget Sykes. Six great-grandchildren, Brandon and Tyler Kuschel, Grace and Emma Massie, Zepure Massie, and Bentley Sykes. Also surviving is his brother, John (Elaine) and many nieces and nephews.

A graduate of the Peddie School, Bucknell University, and the Harvard Business School he was also a Registered Professional Engineer in New York State, a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, and Tau Beta Pi. Bob's employment career included Eastman Kodak, W.C. Sykes Co., Sykes Datatronics Inc., and Everflow Eastern. He also invested in and mentored many small company start ups. Bob was proud to have served in the U.S. Navy in WWII and in Korea as a Chief engineer on the USS Ingraham DD694. He had a life long interest in golf and was a member of the United States Senior Golf Association, Pine Valley Golf Club, and for 75 years a member of the Country Club of Rochester. He also was a member of the Young Presidents Organization and the World Business Council. Never one to sit still, Bob was always active whether it was heli-skiing, traveling, riding his motorcycle, or working on projects at his lake house. He participated in aviation as a licensed balloon, glider, motorglider, and airplane pilot.

Bob served as a trustee at the University of Rochester, Bucknell University, St. John Fisher College, and on the boards of the Harley School, Junior Achievement, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester Museum and Science Center, Automobile Club, Country Club of Rochester, M&T Bank, Voplex Corporation, MOOG Inc., ACC Corp., Everflow Management Corp., and was a founding member and board member of Hunt Hollow Ski Club.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 12, 3 PM at the First Presbyterian Church, 21 Church St., Pittsford 14534. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to First Presbyterian Church. To share a memory of Robert or send a condolence to the family visit www.anthonychapels.com.