Obituary of Robert B. Bator

Robert Bruce Bator of Hopewell, NY passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024, at the age of 77 with his children by his side. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandparent, and a member of the firefighting brotherhood. Bob was born January 10, 1947, in Rochester, N.Y., the son of the late Stanley and Cleola (Lake) Bator. He was a graduate of Clifton Springs High School, and later attended Finger Lakes and Monroe Community Colleges. On May 18th, 1968 he married the former Theresa Blazys, and for over 50 years, they worked as partners raising a family on the same farm on Spangle Street where he was raised. He was an avid gardener and outdoorsman, always maintaining the various vegetable and flower gardens on the property. A life-long resident of Hopewell, as a child he was active with the Hopewell Grange, Local 4H club, and the Boy Scouts of America. He served various positions within town government, including several terms as a member of the town board, and was a life member of the Hopewell Volunteer Fire Department,serving several terms as Fire Chief. He was always following happenings within the community - from reading the Town Board meeting minutes to chatting with local farmers about the weather and crop conditions, he was always engaged. Bob dedicated his life to helping others; his public service started at the NYS Dept of Transportation out of Canandaigua. He was later appointed as a career firefighter for the City of Canandaigua where he held positions within the department including Municipal Training Officer, Acting Chief and Fire/Arson Investigator. He held a Deputy Fire Coordinator / Fire Investigator position for Ontario County, and as a State Fire Instructor, he passed his passion for firefighting on to others through the classes he taught. In his free time, Bob worked for a general contractor in Clifton Springs and was part of the revitalization and construction of several properties in the village, including the Clifton Springs Library, the Pierce Block, the Pierce Pavilion, Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic and Ashton Place Senior Living Facility. Bob partnered with a friend to raise a herd of American Bison on a hillside farm in Manchester earning him the nickname "Buffalo Bob" and offering him and Theresa the opportunity to travel west on several 'business' trips that became sightseeing adventures. Bob is survived by son Bruce (Pam) Bator of Fredrick Md, son James (Beth) Bator of Hopewell, and daughter Daria (Jason) Cooley of Hopewell. He was a proud grandfather to Kaylie, Ian, Emily, Mason, Timothy, and Michaela. He enjoyed regular updates of his great-grandson Wessley's progress learning to crawl. Bob was predeceased by his wife of over 50 years, Theresa (Blazys) Bator, his sister Cathryn Andersen and his parents. Bob and Theresa have a long history of adopting shelter animals and providing them with the care and love they deserve. Anyone wishing to memorialize Bob please donate in his memory to either the Ontario County Humane Society or to Lollypop Farm (Humane Society of Greater Rochester). Contributions in Bob's memory may also be made to the Hopewell Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 932, Canandaigua, NY 14424 Never one to draw attention to himself, it was always Bob's wish to have his passing be handled privately. His family only asks that everyone remember Bob for the impact he had on your life or the lives of your family and friends. To share a memory or express condolences online, please visit www.fullerfh.com.