Robert T. Mace

Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 . Bob was born July 25, 1919 in Elmira, NY the eldest of seven children born to Tracey and Alice (Daly) Mace. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 72 years, Winona I. Mace who passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2013. He is survived by his son, Robert (Olga) Mace and daughter Nancy (David) Pastore. Also surviving, grandchildren, Amy (Daniel) Kick, Amanda (Joseph) Sullivan, Julie (Michael) Rose, Michael Mace and great granddaughter, Rylie Kick. Also survived by his sister, Irene Williams, brother, William (Virginia) Mace and sisters-in-law, Betty Mace, Margaret Mace and Martha Houston in addition to many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Marian (Joseph) Buffalin and brothers, Tracey (Anna Mae) Mace, Eugene Mace and Charles Mace. Bob was retired as a supervisor from Ingersoll Rand in Painted Post and also worked many years at Remington Rand. Bob and his wife Winnie lived in Southport in the house that they built together. He loved his home, his neighborhood and the life that they built there. His home was truly his castle. At the age of 17 Bob joined the Navy. He always said that was the decision that changed his life and started him on the road to success as evidenced by his reaching the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. He had many adventures during his Navy Career. He Steered ships going through the Panama Canal and witnessed history by watching the Japanese surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay through binoculars from a nearby ship. Bob and Winnie were married on June 14, 1941 and celebrated their 72nd anniversary this past summer. They had a wonderful life together taking care of their home and raising their family. After his retirement they shared many adventures traveling through New England and wintering in Myrtle Beach, SC. Bob was a wonderful father attending every sporting event in which his children and grandchildren participated. He always told us that we did well and that he was proud of us. Bob's other interests included collection trains, playing golf, styding the stock market and watching his beloved New York Mets. He was a hard working man all of his life, working two jobs as a 13 year old to help raise his younger brothers and sisters. His whole family was proud of his accomplishments and we will miss him dearly. His was a life well lived. Bob's family wouldlike to thank his wonderful neighbors who watched out and helped him as he got older. Art Devore for always taking care of his driveway, next door neighbors Sharon Tyler and Joe Roussin for their kindness and Dorothy DeLuca for her years of friendship. We would especially like to extend a special thank you to their next door neighbor of 45 years, Ed and Sharon Fleming, who always kept a watchful eye on Bob and Winnie and became more family than neighbors. The family would also like to extend their appreciation to the skilled nursing units at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center and St. Joseph's Hospital, Dr. John Schiavone for his compassionate care and his "special" caregivers at both hospitals who cared for him these final months of his life. All of Bob's services will be held privately at the convenience of his family. He will be laid to rest in Fitzsimmons Cemetery with his beloved Winnie where the Chemung County Veteran's Honor Squad will accord Mr. Mace Military Honors for his service in the US Navy. Memorial donations may be directed to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. bob's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com