Robert J. “Bob” Falzarano – 78 – of 5 Cook St., Hornell, died Friday afternoon (January 20, 2023) at Taylor Health Care Center in Bath, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on September 28, 1944, he was the son of Dominic & Dolores (Smith) Falzarano.

Bob grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1963).  While in high school, he worked part time as a printer for F.A. Owens Printing in Dansville, NY and continued working there for about 5 years following graduation.

On November 27, 1965 he married Susan “Susie” Hornbeck.

Beginning as an optician’s apprentice, he began his career as an optician working for his father-in-law, Frank Hornbeck at Hornbeck’s Opticians in Hornell for about 4 years.  Moving to Dansville in 1970, he operated Hornbeck’s Opticians in Dansville for about 10 years.

In 1994, Bob & Susie moved to Northville, MI where both were employed for about 10 years at an Optical Company which sold optical chemicals & dyes. They were also involved in research & development for several optical companies.  In 2004 they moved to Lehigh Acres, FL where Bob served as a lab technician for an optical company for about 10 years.  They moved back to the Hornell area about 5 years ago.

Bob was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He had been a member of the Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell Moose, the Knights of Columbus and the G. Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy).

An excellent baseball player during his younger years, Bob continued his love for the game and was an avid New York Yankees Fan.  He also enjoyed woodcarving and was known for making beautiful bird houses, wishing wells and other works of art.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Marts who died in 2000 and his nephew, Frankie Hornbeck.

Surviving are his wife, Susan “Susie” Falzarano; 4 sons, Christopher Farrell of Rochester, David Falzarano of Colorado Springs, CO, Jeffrey (Krista) Falzarano of Aurora, CO and Michael Falzarano of Castle Pines, CO; his daughter, Mary (Travis Hall) Falzarano of Norfolk, NY; 7 brothers, Mike Falzarano of Tipton, PA, Dick (Patty) Falzarano of Rome, NY, Don Falzarano of Hornell, John Falzarano of Hornell, Tony Falzarano of Burns, NY, Phil (Julie) Falzarano of Friendship, and Mark (Felicia) Falzarano of Baton Rouge, LA; 2 sisters, Michele Coates of Wellsville and Judy (Jay) Dreyer of Canisteo; 11 grandchildren;  many nieces & nephews.

At Bob’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Bob’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105 of to the Covenant House, 461 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY‎ 10001.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.