Obituary of Robert E. Portmess

Robert PORTMESS 60, of Tully, passed away Sunday. Bob graduated from Syracuse University College of Engineering in 1978, then worked for Alcoa before moving into sales in the telecommunications industry. Bob earned a MPS in Horticulture from Cornell University in 2009. Since then, he worked at Cornell in Turf Science promoting reduced chemical use at golf courses to protect our groundwater and environment. Bob was a devoted father and a superhero grandpa. He found joy in golfing, running, riding his motorcycle, and for many years, rowing for the Syracuse Chargers in a Masters Four. He is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Melinda; daughters Kim (Rolo), Jess, and Lauren; grandchildren Bayano and Rosalin; brothers Michael (Kay) and Stuart; and nephews Christopher and Mark. Bob's spirit and heart, like his stature, were big. He will be deeply missed.