Robert Wallace Eames

Robert Wallace Eames of Penfield, NY, age 94, passed away peacefully after a short illness, on May 21, 2022 in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
Robert was born May 21, 1928, in Oneida New York, the third son of David Kirkland Eames and Vera Burton Eames. He was raised on the family dairy farm in Oneida Valley, New York, and attended Oneida High School, graduating in 1946. He enlisted in the US Army, served as PFC, stationed in Italy, 1946-1948. After discharge, he attended Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY and earned his bachelor's degree in 1952. He received a master's degree in Library Science from Columbia University, then began a 34-year career as reference librarian in the Rochester Public Library from 1954 until his retirement in 1988.
Bob was an avid traveler and photographer, making numerous trips across the US and through Europe, especially in the 1960's and 70's. Closer to home, usually with his friend Jim, on foot or by bicycle he covered many miles of the streets and roads in and around Rochester. He enjoyed classical music, regularly in the audience for the Rochester Philharmonic, and was a big opera fan, making multiple trips to the Opera House in Sarasota, Florida. He was a lover of books, a member and president of the Bibliophile Society of Rochester, a collector of books and records, and volunteered at local bookshops in his retirement. He was a huge fan of classic movies from the 30s through the 60s.
He seemed to have an encyclopedic memory for literature and music and film. He would tell us how he solved difficult information inquiries, as reference librarian in the pre-internet age. Before Google, he was his own search engine. But he also had a memory for real life, never forgetting family members' birthdays; his Christmas and birthday presents to us were books which were always interesting and thoughtfully chosen. He would often regale us with stories of life on the farm and visits by eccentric relatives. He was chronically cheerful, laughed much, and could see humor in almost every situation.
Bob was an active member of Third Presbyterian Church of Rochester for over 60 years, serving in many capacities, including Elder, Deacon, Food Cupboard volunteer, Peace & Justice Committeeman, and architectural church tour guide. With the YAF fellowship group, he found a "second career" on the performing stage, acting in multiple productions; perhaps his role as Count Dracula was the most memorable.
Bob is predeceased by his parents, and by his five siblings. He is survived by his best friend of 54 years, James Hughes, Jr, of Victor, NY; by nieces Margo Tompkins of Mims, Fl and Mary Ellen Casabonne of Clifton Park, NY; and by nephews Charles Eames, Jr of Waycross, GA, Frederick Eames of Delmar, NY, David Eames of Oil City PA, Robert Carson of Clifton Park, NY, Timothy Carson of Fort Myers Beach, FL, Kenneth Carson of Mooresville, NC, and Andrew Eames of Winter Garden, FL.
Following cremation by Anthony Funeral & Cremation Chapels, a Memorial Service will be held at the Third Presbyterian Church of Rochester, 4 Meigs St, on Saturday June 25 at 11AM. Written remembrances or notes of sympathy may be sent to Charles Eames, Jr, 316 Pineview Dr, Waycross, GA 31501. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Bob's memory to the Third Presbyterian Church of Rochester, 4 Meigs St, Rochester, NY 14607.