Robert Erwin “Bob” Tripp -88 – was reunited with his wife and family in heaven on February 2, 2016 in Homer, NY while surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born on March 18, 1927 in the Town of Tyrone, NY, spending his early childhood years in Wayne, NY and later moving to Bolivar, NY.

Following his graduation from high school at the age of 17, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy serving proudly during World War II from 1944 until 1946.  He served aboard four different ships which included the USS Vicksburg, the USS Amsterdam, the USS Missouri, and the USS Cotton.  He served on the Destroyer USS Cotton during the 82 day Battle of Okinawa and also witnessed the Japanese surrender ceremony that took place aboard the USS Missouri while using binoculars from the deck of the USS Amsterdam.

On November 27, 1948 he married LeeAnna Gates in Dansville, NY.  Bob and LeeAnna settled in Hornell, where he began his professional career in sales and marketing in the meat and food industry. He was a regular contributor in Southern Tier newspapers sharing stories, anecdotes, and opinion.

Music was integrated into his life and he helped organize the Hornell Maple City Barbershop Chorus and remained active for many years.  He learned to play the banjo late in his life and joined the Banjo Boys, a group who entertained locally. Bob was also a talented and gifted artist, painter, and woodworker. He was creative and had an amazing ability to draw and hand letter. He produced art for family as well as many professional signs and posters.

Bob and his wife, LeeAnna helped to form the Tri-County Swim Club where he served as its first president and later became a swimming referee. He was involved with and served as an officer in the area antique car club.  Along with his wife Lee, they enjoyed friendship and good times.

He was passionate about his WWII Navy reunions which he helped to organize and remained active for over 30 years.  Each year he traveled to meet with his shipmates where they reminisced about their times together during WWII.  Locally, Bob initiated a breakfast club for “Old Salts” that encouraged military veterans to meet at Jaycee’s Cafe once a month for fellowship.

As a communicant of the Alfred Almond Bible Church, Bob had many dear friends and new acquaintances who were warm and supportive during his many health challenges.  Bob met regularly with and enjoyed his bible study small group.

Even in the face of a cancer diagnosis and the resulting loss of his leg, he led a positive and optimistic life.  His favorite quote was “what am I going to do, I just have to deal with it” each time he faced another obstacle.

Bob is survived by his favorite daughter Terre Dennis (Lee) and the son that he liked best, R.Tim Tripp (Kim) along with his four siblings: Gloria Stohr, Wanda Jandrew-French, Frederick “Jack” Tripp (Mary) and Gerald Tripp (Jenean).  Also surviving are four grandchildren, Seth Dennis (Erica) and great grandsons Joel and Tasker, Jill Yacavone (Don) and great grandson Nicholas, Katie Hytreck (Mike) and great grandson Patrick, and Andrew Tripp (Catherine). He had many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and acquaintances who regularly kept in touch with him. Bob was a very active in the area and was often accompanied by his dear sweet friend and loving companion Aileen Mahoney.

Bob was predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years LeeAnna in 2004 and also his parents, Meredith and Beulah Tripp.

The family will be available for those wishing to remember Bob at the Dagon Funeral Home located on 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY  on Friday (February 12, 2016)  from 4-7 p.m..  A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday (February 13, 2016) at 11:00 a.m. at the Alfred Almond Bible Church located on 6751 State Route 21, Almond, NY 14804.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed to the Alfred Almond Bible Church, Route 21, Almond, NY 14804.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or CLICK HERE to print a memorial form.

In recognition of Bob’s military service, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.