Robert E. "Bob" Schmalz

Robert "Bob" E. Schmalz, 93, died on Saturday, September 14, 2024, after a short illness, at home, with his loving family by his side.

Born in 1931, in Rome, NY, he was the son of the late Edward and Ethel Schmalz. Bob met the love of his life, Ellie, and was united in marriage in 1956. Together, they built a beautiful family, with six children and extending their love to fifteen foster children.

Bob honorably served our country, for four years, in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Stationed in Alaska, he was assigned to set up communications and fly supplies. After his enlistment, he was employed with New York Telephone Company, for 43 years, before he retired.

Bob stayed active and was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church in Rome all his life, a Chairman of the Church Trustees, President of the Ushers, Honorary Member of the Seven Star Flying Club of Alaska, President of the Verona Elem. BOE, Member of the Masonic Lodge of Camden, President of the Old Kent St. Club,, and President of Local 1126 CWA.

Bob was a collector of old cars, loved his dogs, enjoyed bowling, built the baseball field for the Verona Little League Baseball teams and also assisted building the addition on F.U.M. Church. He flew his plane out of Becks Grove, loved camping in the Adirondacks with his Pleasant Lake family and friends and playing pitch (cards) with his family and friends.

Bob is predeceased by his loving wife, Ellie Schmalz; and his son, Stephen Schmalz.

He is survived by his five children, Edward and Pallie Schmalz, of GA, Brian and Cheri Schmalz, of NY, Nancy and Bill Nicholl, of NY, Paul Schmalz, of NY and Lisa and Gary Blackerby, of FL; daughter-in-law (wife of Stephen), Lisa Schmalz, of NH; sixteen grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Strong-Burns and Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome. A Church Service will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 400 N. George St., Rome. Interment will immediately follow at the Rome Cemetery, 1500 Jervis Ave., Rome.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Rome Humane Society.