Robert G. Bartholf

Robert G. Bartholf (Bob) 96, passed away at home from a brief illness on Sunday evening July 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving children. Bob was born to Glenn & Mary (Farkas) Bartholf on February 8, 1929, in Ithaca, NY. Bob attended Ithaca schools and graduated from Ithaca High School in 1946. He earned a B.A. in Business Administration from St. Bonaventure University in 1953. Upon graduating college, he attended United States Navy Officer Candidate school and commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy in 1955. In 1954 he married then Lois I. Valentine of Olean, NY. They had five children. Robert Jr., David, Daniel, Mary Ann and Gary. Bob served three years on active duty and then transferred to the US Navy Reserves serving at the old Ithaca US Naval Reserve station then Horseheads from which he retired after 28 years of Naval service at the rank of Commander. For many years he was the area information officer (Blue & Gold Officer) for the United States Naval Academy. He was a proud supporter of NAVY athletics, especially football, and attended every ARMY-NAVY football game for the past 25 years.

He began his civilian career with his father at Glenn's Service Station at the busiest corner of college town, Cornell University. He then moved on to creating Autosalvage of Ithaca with his father and longtime business partner Joe (Pepsi) Petricola. Bob & Joe continued that business partnership until Autosalvage's closing in 2010. Bob also, during the 1980's served his community as Town of Ithaca Councilman for six years.

Bob was past president of the New York State Auto & Truck Dismantlers Assoc., past president of the East Hill Merchants Assoc., past vice-president of the Service Station Operators of the Southern Tier, Life member of Delta Sigma Phi, Member of the Naval Reserve Assoc., member of Naval Institute, Fidelity Lodge No. 51 F&AM, Fraternal Order of Eagles #1253. He was also a proud member of the local bowling community, having participated in many tournaments, even sponsoring some leagues throughout his life.

Having a lifespan of proud and honorable service to the country and local community, he joins his parents, Glenn and Mary Bartholf, sister, Barbara, son, Robert (Bobby) Jr., who predeceased him, and he loved so much.

He leaves behind his children, David Bartholf of Ithaca, NY, Daniel (Lisa) Bartholf of Tallahassee, FL, Mary Ann (Fran) Brown of St. Thomas, USVI and Gary J. Bartholf of Ithaca, NY & Fort Myers, FL., Grandchildren – Cherie and Lauren Brown and great-grandchildren, Lehandre, Anisah & Aniyah. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews of which he adored as well.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 27 from 5pm to 7pm at Herson Funeral Home, Ithaca, NY. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 28 at 11am at First Presbyterian Church, Ithaca, NY with full military honors to follow at East Lawn Cemetery immediately following service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice, Wounded Warriors Project, Website info@wwiaf.org , USO (United Service Organizations) website www.uso.org or a charity of one's choice in Bob's name.

The family would like to give a heart filled thanks to Hospice of Ithaca for their professionalism and care during Dad's final moments. The family also wishes to thank all their family and friends, from all over, for your support, loyalty, prayers and love to Bob during his lifetime and during this time of mourning.

The Commander served with both Sailors and Marines during his lifetime and career and respected both.

With that said: "Fair Winds and Following Seas", "Semper Fi"

We Have the watch Commander.