Robert J. “Bob” Rink – 83 – of 457 Seneca Rd., North Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (October 1, 2016) at St. James Mercy Hospital, after being stricken at home.
Born in Hornell on March 18, 1933, he was the son of Frank & Mary (Burns) Rink.
Bob resided in Bradford, PA in his early years and was raised by his grandmother, Anna Burns, following the death of his mother. He returned to Hornell at the age of seven to live with his father and family.
He was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1951). Following graduation from high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country from 1953-1955. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Bob enrolled at St. Bonaventure University and then graduated from Alfred University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1960.
Bob resided in California for approximately 2 years and was employed as a broker for E.F. Hutton. He returned to Hornell and worked as a stock broker for Loeb Rhodes. In the early 1960’s, Bob purchased the Philip J. Rockwell Insurance Agency in Hornell which eventually became Rink Insurance Agency and later the Rink-Partridge Insurance Agency. All in all, Bob served the Hornell area’s insurance needs for nearly 50 years, retiring about seven years ago.
He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Throughout the years Bob had also been a member of the Hornell Rotary, the Hornell Kiwanis and the American Legion. He enjoyed fresh water fishing especially with his grandkids and was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan.
Bob will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, brother & grandfather. He will especially be remembered for his wit, humor and ability to tell a great story. He simply enjoyed a good laugh and took pride in putting a smile on the face of anyone and everyone around him. He truly “loved life” and lived life to the fullest! He will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him!
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Calnan and Anna Marmo and his granddaughter, Taylor Murray.
Bob married Eleanor Ormsby on August 22,1959 and recently celebrated 57 years of marriage. Also surviving are three daughters, Kristine (Cooper) Murray of Apex, NC, Cheryl (Drew) Morton of Austin, TX and Diane (Kevin) Michaelson of Ridgewood, NJ; seven grandchildren, Spencer Murray, Turner Murray, Cooper Murray, Ally Morton, Sydney Morton, Henry Michaelson and Brynn Michaelson; one brother, Tom (Martha) Rink of Arkport, NY; one sister, Lucille Brown of Rochester, NY; and numerous nieces, nephews & cousins.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Private services will be held at the convenience of the Rink family.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made in Bob’s name to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
In recognition of Bob’s military service to his country, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
To Eleanor and Family,
Although I haven’t seen much of you in recent years, I have so many happy memories of Bob and the ‘dirty dozen’! I will pray for you all, and hope that your memories will sustain you in this sad time.
Diane & family,
I am truly sorry and saddened to learn of your loss. Prayers for your comfort and peace.
Sincerely,
Holly (Caddell) Eschberger
We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Bob Rink.
We know Bob well, and in fact I commuted to Alfred University with Bob for a few years in the mid 50’s along with Bob King.
It was always a pleasure to be with Bob.. a most positive and outgoing person.. he will be missed by all.
It was great to hear from Bob when he called from Florida to say hello a few months ago, after not being in touch for several years.
God bless Eleanor and the family at this most difficult time.
PLease extend our condolences to the rest of the family.
Joe and Mary (King) Cameron and Family
Kris and Family,
I’m so sorry about your Dad. May God bless and comfort you all at this time.
You’re in my prayers,
Kathy (Crowe) Walker
Dear Mrs. Rink and family,
I am at a loss for words, Mr. Rink was a wonderful man with quite the sense of humor. I am extremely sorry for your loss, please know that you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of all you during this difficult time. He was a great man. Diane , know that I am thinking of you.
Dear Mrs. Rink, Kris, and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Rink’s death. I have many fond memories of him and his wonderful sense of humor and laugh. Kris, your family was always so good to me during our high school years. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sorry that I won’t be able to attend the calling hours. I pray that all your wonderful memories of your husband and dad bring you much comfort during this difficult time.
Dear Mrs. Rink, Cheryl and entire Rink family,
I was so saddened to hear about the loss of Mr. Rink. Although many years have passed since I have seen him, I remember his warmth, smile and deep pride when speaking about his family.
I hope the wonderful memories you have of the times you shared together help you through this difficult time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family.
With deepest sympathy,
Lisa
Rink Family,
I have such fond memories of Bob from my college days when I would visit Hornell with Cheryl or see him in Ithaca. He sure knew how to make us laugh! And he always made me feel so welcome in his home. I know he will be dearly missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God bless, Judy
Ellie, Kristine, Cheryl, Diane and Families,
Bob was such a great person with an amazing personality. His passing leaves a void in all that knew him.
We have wonderful memories of Bob, our chats in Mexico and at home, solving all of the world problems, our mini-Mexican adventures, dinners and card games. Bob always greeted us with such warmth, that it made us and our children feel so good. We learned so much from Bob about life and enjoyed and cherished his friendship. We truly will miss him! Our thoughts and prayers as always are with you and the family. Sending extra big, warm hugs!
Our deepest sympathy,
Tom, Audrey Young (and our kids)
It was such a treat to see you a few weeks ago, seems he lived his life well and well loved. Thinking of you all.
Dear Ellie Diane Christine and Cheryl and families,
We have such fond memories of our times with you in Mexico . When I think of Bob it just puts a smile on my face. I think of his smile, how he loved to play cards, how he loved to dance, enjoy cocktails and conversation at happy hour, cleaning the shrimp we often ate at happy hour. So much fun!
All of us send our deepest sympathy. Bob will be missed!
Love Jo, Earl and Darby Young
Calgary, Alberta