1929-2025
Robert Clarke Armstrong, Age 95, of Branchport, passed away April 26, 2025, at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital.
Robert was born in Penn Yan on October 1, 1929, the son of Roland and Sarah (Harris) Armstrong. Upon graduating from Penn Yan Academy in 1948, he chose to enlist in the US Air Force so he could work on planes. His duties included working on the Douglas C-47 cargo plane, affectionately known as the “Gooney Bird." During the Korean War, he served in South Korea and Japan. Upon his return home, Robert married Pauline Thomas, and together they raised 4 children.
He worked for NYSEG as a repairman at the Greenidge Power Station in Dresden for 34 years before retiring on January 1, 1989. Bob and Pauline enjoyed traveling together and spending three months every year in North Carolina with Pauline’s family. Bob also loved automobiles and automobile racing. As an automobile enthusiast, he attended the inaugural Grand Prix race in Watkins Glen in 1948 and returned in 2023 to witness the 75th Anniversary of that event. Bob was a lifetime member of the Penn Yan American Legion. He was also a member of the Branchport United Methodist Church and NYSEG Quarter Century Club. He loved and enjoyed Turkey Hunting with his workmates.
Bob was predeceased by his parents; wife Pauline on March 30, 2023; their daughter Pamela Armstrong; and his brother Lorimer Armstrong.
He is survived by his children, Terry (Shawn) Armstrong of Piedmont, SC; Sandra (Dave) Smith of Penn Yan, and Hilary (Bill) Culver of Bluff Point; brothers-in-law, Bobby Thomas of Rosman, NC, Cecil Thomas of Sugar Grove, VA; sisters-in-law Frances Cody of Saluda, NC, and Hilda Barton of Cedar Mountain, NC; also seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
There are no prior calling hours. A funeral service will be held Tuesday (April 29th) at 1:00 PM at the Branchport United Methodist Church; followed by burial at Branchport Cemetery with military honors, and a reception at the church. Donations in his memory may be made to the Branchport United Methodist Church.
The family wishes to thank Andrea Kingsley for her loving care and friendship, and many thanks to Dr. Feinberg and the nurses and staff on the first floor at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital.
