Robert T. Van De Mark

Obituary
Bob was born on November 5, 1946 and passed away unexpectedly on September 10, 2023. He
was the oldest of three boys that were born to J. Thomas and Eleanor Jane (Burgess) Van De
Mark. He is survived by his brother John Edward Van De Mark (Margie) and was pre-deceased
by William J. Van De Mark (Michelle).
He leaves behind his wife, Sharon M. (Bobnick) Van De Mark; son, Brett J. Van De Mark;
daughter, Amelia R. Van King (Kit); and from a previous marriage, children Robert, Stephen,
and Marie Van De Mark. Bob grew up on Coddington Road in Brooktondale, NY where he
spent many hours horseback riding through the hills of Brooktondale. He graduated from Ithaca
High School in 1965 and attended Corning Community College.
Throughout his life, Bob's career path started with working in the restaurant field with Sysco
Foods; Hickman, Coward, and Wattles; and Friendly's Restaurants. He then ventured into
working in sales with car dealerships in the Ithaca area. His last job was as a tanker truck driver
with Alnye, Moravia, NY. While working with Friendly's Restaurants in Ithaca, NY, he met his
wife, Sharon. They married on December 10, 1988, settled in Newfield, NY and raised two
children. They made a lifetime of memories and have cherished their family and friends.
One of Bob's passions was driving and he took great pleasure in just going for a road trip. He
also enjoyed RVing traveling the east coast from Canada to Florida and as far west as
Yellowstone. Cruising was another joy travelling to such places as Alaska, Bermuda, Canada,
the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal.
Bob is at peace now with no more pain or disability. He will continue to watch over all of us as
we navigate the path before us.
The family would love to invite you to a memorial gathering to tell stories and celebrate his life
on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at the American Legion, 1231 Danby Rd., Ithaca, NY starting at
12:00pm.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Cayuga Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (contact
Tamara in Therapeutic Recreation), 1229 Trumansburg Rd, Ithaca, NY (607-273-8072) or plant
a tree in memory of Robert T. Van De Mark.
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to the family or plant a tree
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