Robert E. Kirkwood

Robert Earl Kirkwood, age 84, of Ithaca, NY passed away on Sunday April 13th. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Johanna, his brother Kenyon of Santa Barbara, CA and his parents, Cecil and Lillian Kirkwood. He is survived by his sons James C. Kirkwood and his wife Kim of Lansing, NY, Robert L. Kirkwood and his wife Virginia of Wilmington, DE and grandchildren Justin, Jeffrey, Anna and Mathew of Lansing and Caroline and Colleen of Wilmington and several nieces and nephews.

Born on November 28, 1929 in Prescott, AZ, Bob attended Redford High School in Detroit, MI and graduated from Michigan State University. He proudly served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Korean War.

Following college, Bob worked for Ford Motor Company and in 1967, moved from Detroit to Rochester, NY to join Xerox Corporation, from which he retired in 1992.

A dedicated husband, father and grandfather, he was always in the audience and involved in his boys school and sporting events and in recent years loved to watch his grandchildren perform, on the stage and on the playing field. The highlight of every year, was the annual family vacation at “the cottage” on Lake Michigan that was built by Bob’s father in 1963. An avid golfer, with two holes-in-one to his credit, Bob thoroughly enjoyed his time on the golf course whether it was with his family or with one of his regular foursomes in Pittsford, Michigan or Florida. His passion for many years was as a runner, routinely achieving over 20 miles a week. A life-long MSU Spartan fan, Bob cherished the friendships he made at the Theta Chi fraternity house and the life-long relationships they all maintained through their “winers and diners club”.

Burial service will take place in June. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Hospicare and Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County, 172 E King St, Ithaca, NY 14850. Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the family.