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Robert Colton Obituary
Contributions in Bob's name can be made to the Jim Dooley Childcare Center at Geneva General Hospital.
Bob was born on October 18, 1951 to Kenneth and Annagene (Pierce) Colton in Sidney, NY. He grew up in Waterloo and graduated from Waterloo High School. Bob worked several jobs in his younger years including, as a mechanic at D'Amico Chrysler and Geneva Ford. Once he became a father, he was very proud of his boys. He coached their Little League teams and was an assistant football coach in their high school years. In 1988 Bob was hired at Geneva General Hospital as a security officer. He worked his way up to become Security Manager and eventually Director of Security and Safety for all entities of Finger Lakes Health. Bob was very passionate about his job and retired after 30 years of service. During his tenure at Finger Lakes Health, he enjoyed playing Santa at Christmas time for the children at the daycare center and residents of the nursing home. Bob brought smiles and joy to both young and old. They loved him and that gave him much joy. He also worked private security at the Waterloo Outlet Mall and Seneca County Boat patrol. After his retirement, Bob wanted to stay busy, so he started driving a construction crew of his Amish friends at Peachey Builders.
Bob became severely ill in Jan 2023. He was diagnosed with acute gallstone pancreatitis, to which his body could not recover from. Bob spent the next 14 months in several healthcare facilities, eventually succumbing to liver failure.
He is survived by his sons Eric (Shai) Colton and Kenneth Colton, both of Waterloo; grandchildren Caitlyn, Tyler, Autumn and Connor Colton; sister Elizabeth (Paul) Singer; brothers Kevin (Cheryl) Colton and Ron (Terri) Colton; sisters-in-law Grace Colton and Edie Colton; several nieces and nephews. Bob is also survived by best friend of 35 years (and former spouse) Karen Laurenza and her son Michael Windle.
Beside his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brothers Kenneth, Larry and Edward Colton.
Bob liked to portray himself as a tough guy. He may have been a little rough around the edges, but the truth is he was a big soft guy. He would always help family and friends whenever he could and he was very generous. He lived his life like an angel with no halo and one wing in the fire. He made some mistakes along the way, but no person should be judged by their mistakes, but rather by the good they did.
Rest in Peace Bob.
Online condolences for the family may be sent to www.palmfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Colton
Sponsored by Palmisano-Mull Funeral Home, LLC.
Betty ann
March 10, 2025
Can not believe it has been a year. Please help take care of Melissa.
I love you and sure do miss you.
Love always
Your sister Betty Ann
Your sister
February 14, 2025
Happy Valentines Day. Love you and sure miss you
Betty Singer
December 18, 2024
Bob
I miss you so much and I love you
Your sister Betty
Charlie O'Connors
May 21, 2024
I'm sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We were childhood friends and lost touch. May he rest in peace.
Kenneth Stuart Colton lll
May 12, 2024
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. R.I.P. Bob
The Case's
April 24, 2024
Wow, I couldn't believe it when our Son Jon told us that Bob had passed away. We would like to send our sincere condolences to all of you Eric and Kenny and your families as well as to his Brother Ron and his family. It's so difficult to lose a parent or sibling. We are so sorry for your loss.
With our Sincere Sympathy to you all,
Sandie and Terry Case and Family
Karen Laurenza
April 17, 2024
I think it´s pretty sad that some people would use this platform to tell stories that are not true of the deceased. I´m wondering if they have Bob mistaken for someone else. Bob Colton did not volunteer at the Boys and Girls club, did not go to the casino, nor shoot pigeons with a BB gun, especially from the roof of the hospital! He never got fleas from camping or boil a turtle in Genny light! He was a security guard at the hospital, not a police officer, therefore had no authority to pull cars over on city streets using his flashing lights. I seriously doubt he "leaped over" chairs in halls of the hospital or lock anyone in the morgue "jail" cell. Bob never told me about any of these people or these supposed antics. I knew the man for 35 years and believe I knew him well. If anyone can substantiate any of these stories, I would greatly appreciate you contacting me directly. If you knew Bob so well, then you should know me and how to get in touch with me. I intend to continue to protect Bob´s reputation. I miss him terribly.
Tom
April 10, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. R.I.P. Bob
Michael Shellandry
March 29, 2024
Sad to hear about Officer Bob. My moms pontiac sunfire had a flat tire one night in a snow storm on north st when i was young. I was about 8 and in the back seat eating my ponderosa buffet take out and Officer bob showed up. It was very great to see officer bob cuz of all his flashy lights on his police car keeping us safe from getting hit. Officer bob parked behind us and i changed my first tire at 8 years old. It was cold out and snowing and my mom just got her hair did. So Officer bob kept her company in his warm police car while i put the spare on. After i got the tire changed officer bob winked at me and gave me the non verbal sign that i had became a man.
Rip sir.
Michael C. Schellandry
Michael M.
March 29, 2024
Just hearing about Officer Bobs passing. Very many great memories i made with that guy. Just a big heart. I remember one time officer Bob volunteering as a mentor for the boys and girls club of Geneva. I wasn´t all of 13-14 or so and i got paired up with officer Bob as my chaperone. It rained the first night and our cloths got all wet. Bob made a fire by friction by rubbing two sticks together and we hung our undies on a stick over the fire to dry. We each had fleas from camping on the ground and the smoke not only dried our undies. But it also ran the bugs away. Bob also brought a fishing pole and used a piece chunk of pigeon meat as bait. (Bob shot the pigeon off the roof of the hospital with a BB gun control cuz it was pooping on the Dr´s cars.). We didn´t catch any fish but we did catch a turtle which bob boiled in Genny light and we ate. It was just like chicken. Many fond memories.
R.I.P Offiicer Bob.
Your friend.
Michael (Barry) McCockiner
S Alaimo
March 25, 2024
Hello,
Thank you for your police service.
S Alaimo
Jamal Theo Whitfield
March 24, 2024
I am so sorry to hear about Officer Colton. We use to laugh because he pulled me over on North Street for not using my turn signal pulling out of the hospital. I knew it was Bob so I led him on a brief pursuit. When I stopped Bob was right up at my window. He said, "I knew it was you" and then I said "I knew it was you". Then he said, "Who else would it be if you didn´t know it was me?" I said," I don´t know who it would be if it wasn´t you because if it wasn´t me then I wouldn´t be in this car looking at you". He said, "I understand". Bob let me go that day without a ticket. We would see each other at the hospital every day after that. As soon as I saw him walking in the hallway I would take off running opposite direction and he would chase after me. I would throw hallway chairs behind me as I traveled the hallways but Bob didn´t care as he leaped over them. The last time I did that he caught me and locked me in the morgue jail cell in the basement. Nice thing was is he brought me lunch and dinner in there. Once he released me I ran away again. We always had fun at the hospital. Recently when Bob won all that money at casino we had a good time. I´m gonna miss ya pal. I´ll share these great memories and arrests with my children.
Thank you for all the times.
Theo Jamal Whitfield
Geneva NY
Barbie Barbers
March 24, 2024
Hello.
Love,
Barbie
Ronnie Mund
March 24, 2024
I did not now about dis until now. I Ben a good pal to ole Bobby. I wurked wid Bobby at the ole hospital. Bobby wood unleash after lunch and dat was a fond memory. I helped out in da nursin home helping the ole people read and right letters to der loved ones. One day Bobby came over to Gertrude and put his arm around her and consold her as her grief was taking over. Bobby could always be counting on. Bobby had a funny way of carrying himself after lunch most days and we wood laugh and laugh. My wife Gertrude, yes Bobby I married Gertrude and I will forever miss you and your sportsmanship.
RIP ole boy.
Ronnie Mund
Borat
March 22, 2024
Hello,
My name is Borat Singotov. I met Robert when I was at hospital working as spy doctor. I always looked up to Bob due to the fact he was tall and in police like uniform. I remember seeing Bob at nursing home north and as I was looking down at him in his bed I could remember looking up at him. That brought back fond memories of him looking up at him. I am going to miss you Bob and I will always look up to your leadership skills while I´m back in Kazakhstan.
Borat
Mama Sapp
March 19, 2024
Hello Bob,
I just want to say that I enjoyed our time alone together at the hospital. You were a magical man.
Love,
Mama Sapp
Bobbob
March 19, 2024
I wrote a poem for Bob. It goes a little something like this:
Bob worked at the hospital,
Bob helped as a police man,
Bob loved the women there,
Bob was a good man.
Bob had true meaning,
Bob was a man,
Bob had a touch of love,
Bob loved his ham.
Bob had a lot of love,
Bob had a mission,
Bob had a plan,
Bob sat in a cushion.
Love you Bob
Artie Lange
March 19, 2024
Bob,
I am going to miss all the times we use to mess with all the nurses. I remember one time when someone spilled a pee bag all over the ER floor and ER Nurse Marge slipped and we came to her rescue as security. Oh the good ole days Bob. Rest I peace big guy!
Artie Lange
Pam ellis
March 18, 2024
You will be missed by so many people thank for being there in my worst time RIP my friend
Lisa Vega (Alvaro)
March 18, 2024
My thoughts and Prayers are with the family.. I remember Bob from the little Corner store on the corner of William St and Grove. I used to call him Grandpa, He would laugh so hard. I was only about 6 or 7. Him and his wife we very kind.
Jim and Jackie Lanphear
March 17, 2024
Kevin, Ron and families, so sorry for your loss
Steve Kemak
March 17, 2024
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Bob at the hospital.
Joe DiCicco
March 16, 2024
So sorry for your lose. Bob and I went to school together. Always a great guy. He will be missed.
Becky & Scott Cooper and Family
March 16, 2024
So very sorry for your loss. Bob was a great guy and will be missed greatly!
wallace
March 16, 2024
To Bob's family...Bobby and I were classmates in high school...he was always a stand up guy and friend...God rest his soul...wally marribitt
Elizabeth A Singer
March 16, 2024
Love You Bob. Sure will miss you.
Your sister
Barry Virtangilo
March 16, 2024
Bob,
All the memories at GGH and the fun with nurses and coworkers. I am going to miss you good pal.
Barry V
Fred Lang
March 15, 2024
Sending my Prayers and Condolences to the Family members, I really enjoyed working with Bob. He was always very helpful and friendly to me.
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