Robert John Gustafson

Was born February 5, 1923 in Bay City, Michigan the son of the late John A. and Isabella (Coyle) Gustafson passed away peacefully on Monday, September 24, 2007 at the Chemung County Nursing Facility at the age of 84. Robert married Virginia M. Schneeberger on November 12, 1949 prior to her death they celebrated 51 wonderful years of life and love together. He is survived by his loving family, Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Gustafson; beloved grandchildren, Christine, Carl and Curt. Robert received his B.Ch.E. at the University of Michigan and his M.Ch.E. at the University of Rochester. He was employed with Rochester Gas and Electric as General Superintendent of the Natural Gas Distribution. For 16 years he was the Chairman of the Irondequoit Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals. From 1942 to 1946 Robert was a dedicated Veteran of the US Army proudly serving his country in the South Pacific during WW II, receiving the following medals: American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with the Bronze Star and the Good Conduct Medal. His hobbies include: stamp collecting, gardening, genealogy, University of Michigan football, politics, restoring and documenting pioneer cemeteries, trains, theater pipe organs, a good meal, Studebakers and of course ballroom dancing with his beloved Ginny. His publications are comprised of: Notes about the Congregations at Kemmi Lapmark, Finland, Honors Fellow, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Sigma Xi Honorary Scientific Fraternity and Licensed Professional Engineer. Family and friends will gather at the Woodlawn National Cemetery on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 10:00 AM where a celebration of Roberts life will be shared by the Reverend Gary Chorepennig, followed by Military Honors accorded Mr. Gustafson by the Chemung County Veterans Honor Squad. Interment will take place privately in the Irondequoit Cemetery in Irondequoit, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to the Notre Dame High School, 1400 Maple Ave., Elmira, NY 14904 or to the Childrens Miracle Network c/o Arnot Ogden Medical Center, 600 Roe Avenue, Elmira, NY 14905 in his memory. A Candle of Remembrance may be left for his family in obituaries at www.olthof.com