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Robert L. \u201cBob\u201d Flaitz, Sr. \u2013 86 \u2013 formerly of 106 Thacher St., Hornell passed away peacefully Friday morning (March 19, 2021) with his daughter by his side at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where he resided following a long illness.<\/p>\n
Born in Hornell on February 1, 1935, he was the son of Leon and Lena (Saxton) Flaitz.<\/p>\n
Growing up in Hornell, Bob was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1953) where he excelled in many sports. \u00a0As a senior, he was named \u201cAthlete of the Year\u201d and at times was called \u201cMr. Basketball\u201d. \u00a0Bob was named All-County scorer in basketball was unanimously selected First Team All-Sectionals, First Team All County and was selected \u00a0MVP in both basketball and football.\u00a0 He later became one of the first inductees into the Hornell High School Sports Hall of Fame. \u00a0During his high school years, Bob also spent many hours at the Hornell City Pool as a lifeguard. \u00a0Upon graduation, Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served as a Drill Sergeant. \u00a0He was stationed in Parris Island, SC from 1953-1956. Upon returning home Bob attended Brockport State College, Alfred State College Corning Community College and Broome Tech.<\/p>\n
Bob spent most of his life in Hornell where he held many different service positions. \u00a0He spent 20 years as a police officer for the Hornell Police Department. \u00a0During his early years at the department, Bob served as a motor officer, riding a motorcycle and checking the meters on Main Street. \u00a0He aided in delivering babies, was instrumental in saving lives and received citations for Valor in the Line of Duty. \u00a0\u00a0In 1966 he was awarded \u201cPoliceman of the Year.\u201d He retired as a sergeant at HPD.<\/p>\n
Throughout the years, Bob was employed as a Prudential Insurance Company Salesman; a laborer at Foster Wheeler of Dansville; and was later employed at the North Hornell Police Department where he served as Chief of Police for 17 years. \u00a0Following his \u201cretirement,\u201d Bob worked as a collections officer at Steuben Trust Company, owned & operated a street painting business in Hornell and officially retired as the head of security at Morrison-Knudsen in Hornell.<\/p>\n
In addition to his many jobs, Bob also served as a 1st<\/sup> Ward Alderman for the City of Hornell for several years and later was awarded the \u201cKey to the City\u201d after being named \u201cRepublican of the Year\u201d in Hornell. \u00a0He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church where he served as a Vestryman for several years. \u00a0He was a past member of the Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell American Legion & Hornell Police Club.<\/p>\n Bob was a \u201cSports Fanatic\u201d who loved coaching the youth of Hornell. \u00a0He was active in Little League Baseball, JV Football and Vince Lombardi Football.\u00a0 He coached Midget League Football (the Cowboys) for many years earning many championship trophies. \u00a0He coached the Christ Episcopal team at the YMCA\u2019s Sunday School Basketball League. \u00a0He was also part of the coaching staff for the Hornell Red Raiders Football team in the early 1980\u2019s. \u00a0He also held a certification as a basketball referee.\u00a0 Bob was an avid New York Yankee & New York Giants fan and enjoyed playing golf. \u00a0He and his wife, Donna, spent many years traveling around attending their grandchildren\u2019s many sporting events. \u00a0He was a very proud grandfather and enjoyed representing the various high schools, Colleges and Pant Saggin Dezign attire. \u00a0He will be remembered for his great storytelling at family gatherings and his famous reaction to all things funny \u201crubbing his hands together with excitement.\u201d<\/p>\n Bob was preceded in death by his brothers, Samuel Flaitz, Richard Flaitz, George Flaitz, & Donald Flaitz; along with his sisters, Geraldine \u201cDean\u201d McLane and Kathryn House.<\/p>\n On December 21, 1954, Bob married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Donna Piccirillo who survives. \u00a0Also surviving are two sons, Robert (Lori) Flaitz of Hornell and Joseph (Meghan) Flaitz of Hornell; one daughter, Nikki (William) Harkenrider of Canisteo; six grandchildren, Nick Flaitz, Erin (Kyle) Morrison, Ryan Flaitz, Curt (Dominica) Flaitz, Zachery & Richie Harkenrider; six great-grandchildren, Rowdy, Rebelle, Rayder & Raddix Flaitz, Ginny and Cecilia Morrison, one step-great- granddaughter, Emma Morrison; one brother, Jacob Flaitz of Arkport; and one sister-in-law, Delores Flaitz of Hornell; many special nieces & nephews.<\/p>\n The family of Robert L. Flaitz Sr. will receive friends on Saturday, April 3rd 2021 from 12:00 Noon \u2013 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY. \u00a0A private Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. \u00a0Final interment will be in St. Mary\u2019s Cemetery.<\/p>\n The Memorial Service for Robert L. Flaitz will be streamed via YouTube and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Saturday, April 3rd<\/sup> , 2021 at 2:30 PM by visiting www.facebook.com\/dagonfuneralhome . \u00a0The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.<\/strong><\/p>\n Robert\u2019s family requests that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Alzheimer\u2019s Association, Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620 or the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. \u00a0Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.<\/p>\n