Obituary of Robert W. Barton

The twelfth of never came for Bob on May 2, 2014 at age 80. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 39 years, Rose (Ripley) Barton. Bob is also survived by his first wife, and the mother of his four children, Nancy Pierson Havey of Aguila, AZ. Bob's children are Barbara Barton, with wife Pamela Speed of Social Circle, GA, Steven Barton of Johnstown, PA, Caroline Salazar of Lakeland FL, and Susan Stringer with husband Rex of Lakeland, FL. He was the first-born son of Werner Barton and Dorothy Earl. Two of his brothers, Joseph and James Barton predeceased him. Also surviving Bob is a sister, Jackie Grafius with husband Rich of Horseheads, brother John Rogers with wife Geri of Elmira. Bob also leaves three sisters-in-law, Lorraine Payne with husband Bob (who passed in 2006), Darlene Itjen with husband Doug of Big Flats, and Marlene Blauvelt with husband Brian of Corning. Bob leaves several grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Tracey Itjen, a most special niece to her "Uncle B", spent much of her childhood and many hours with him, along with special family friend, Amy Fisher. A true friend who always made Bob smile and gave unquestioning concern and care in the last years of his illness is Kellie Faulkner of Elmira. Bob retired in 1996 after almost 20 years of service at Gerould's Pharmacy where he handled their in home delivery service, a job that allowed him to meet people from so many walks of life, and he really enjoyed that. Bob also was a retiree of the Erie Lackwanna Railroad with 14 years of service. Bob was a member of the U S Army Reserve during the '50's, rejoined from 1978 to 1986 and was Supply Sergeant for our local 969th Maintenance Company. He loved golfing and in 1994 had 3 holes-in-one at Tomasso's in one season. He also enjoyed bowling, betting on thoroughbred racing - and a really good argument! Funeral arrangements are entrusted to McInerny's and are private as per Bob's wishes. Special thanks to Dr. Francisco Corbalon, Dr. James Freeman and Dr. Daniel Fisher for their unwavering support and medical expertise with Bob's care. Bob's first stroke was in late 1996, and because of these three learned and compassionate men, he enjoyed 18 more years of life and precious time with family and friends. Bob spent the past 2 ½ years as a resident at the Chemung County Nursing Facility. Every, every department of our community based facility endeavored daily to make it a homelike place for Bob to live. The nursing staff on the 3rd floor kept Bob smiling on every shift. They were often caught holding his hand "just because". So many individuals performed both small and large kindnesses that kept him comfortable and happy - you know who you are - thank you so much. Stay tender. Keep giving of yourselves like you gave to Bob. Now, as Bob so often said, "Oh well….." One last song for my sweetheart, You ask how much I need you - Must I explain… I need you, oh my darling - Like roses need rain. You ask how long I'll love you, I'll tell you true - Until the 12th of never, I'll still be loving you. Hold me close, never let me go - Hold me close, melt my heart like April snow I'll love you 'til the bluebells forget to bloom. I'll love you til the clover has lost its perfume. I'll love you 'til the poets run out of rhyme, Until the 12th of never, and that's a long, long time - Until the 12th of never, and that's a long, long time. Now be free, rest well, my Arnie.