(1933 – 2026)
Those privileged enough to have a parent live into their 90s know they were formed by a different era. Robert Charles Lawrence—”Bob” to all who knew him—was a man of that era: hardworking, patriotic, and endlessly resourceful. Born June 30, 1933 on a farm in Arkport, New York, Bob’s story began in the hills of Steuben County. His family later moved to Karr Valley Road in Almond, where he grew up on a Dairy farm, surrounded by a large family and lifelong friends.
The seventh of eight children born to Charles and Cora (Franklin) Lawrence, Bob married Joan Wheaton (Petric) on April 2nd, 1955, who survives. Shortly after, duty called, and he served honorably as a Corporal in the United States Army. Upon returning home, he attended Alfred State College, an experience that sparked his entrepreneurial spirit. He soon founded Robert Lawrence Trucking; starting as a bulk milk hauler, he eventually grew the business into a multi-state long-haul operation. Whether he was behind the wheel of a Mack Truck or tinkering in the shop, Bob was a man who loved the grit of hard work and the satisfaction of a job well done.
Bob was a fixture of the Alfred-Almond community. As a former Alfred Town Supervisor, his leadership skills were put to the test during the Blizzard of 1977 when plow drivers could not reach their plows. On Christmas Day, Bob fired up his payloader to clear paths for the crew, helping to get roads open. His generosity was second to none—whether he was trucking “snow” to Alfred University for their annual sculpting contest, selling SnoJet snowmobiles, or working “Bingo” for the Almond Lions. In later years, his “side hustles” became local staples, from blacktopping driveways to transforming the Old Mill Inn into a restaurant in the 1990s. Even in his later years, he found joy behind the wheel as a cement mix driver for L.C. Whitford and Sons.
Beyond work, Bob was a man of song and story. A self-taught tenor, he spent decades singing and performing with the Barbershoppers of America (SPEBSQSA) and loved gathering around the piano with his family singing classics from Reader’s Digest or The Best of John Denver Songbooks. Bob was a longtime member of the Alfred Almond Alumni Association and a passionate history buff. He never missed a chance to tell a joke, attend a Super Bowl, or travel. Whether he was wintering Florida or vacationing with family, Bob had a knack for running into someone he knew regardless of the zip code.
Midway through his life, Bob’s family ties drew him south to Lake Wales, Florida, following his sister Marie and brother-in-law Bob Miller. Alongside his sister Betty and her husband Don Connolly, Bob purchased a “winter place” that became a cherished backdrop for years of family gatherings and shared memories. In a later chapter of life, Bob married Dolores (Jeannie) (Williams) Washburn. Together, they eventually moved to the warmer breezes of Port Charlotte, but Bob’s heart remained tied to his roots and for many years, he and Jeannie traveled by motor home back to his Alfred Station property to reconnect with his children, family, and lifelong friends.
Bob was a voracious reader and a master of his craft. If you needed his help, he gave it freely—though it might cost you a cup of coffee or a sweet roll. When asked how he was, he’d always reply he was “terrible good,” and if offered a cookie, he would quickly reply “no–just two or three.” To family, Bob was bigger than life and his departure on March 21st, 2026 leaves a gaping hole in all of our hearts.
Bob is survived by his faithful and loving wife, Dolores (Jeannie) Lawrence; his children, Jay (Tammy) Lawrence, Mark (Kelly) Lawrence, Diane (Brantley) Davis, and Gail (Tom) Gordner; and Delores’s (Jeannie’s) children; Chris Washburn, Jean Marie Washburn, and Denise Washburn and Dave Goldman. Bob and Jeannie were sadly predeceased by Dolore’s beloved son Guy Washburn. Bob was also predeceased by his father’s second wife; Alice Lawrence, one brother; Richard Lawrence and sister-in-law Sally Hooker; and sisters; Jean (James) Newell, Betty (Don) Connolly, Marie (Bob) Miller, Ginny (Don) Lippencott, Edna (Melvin) Oakes, and Patricia (Paul) Sciotti as well as several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Services: A private burial service will be held in Florida at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held in Almond, NY, on June 6th, 2026, at Calvary Chapel Church (formerly known as the Almond Community Church) located on 11 Main St, Almond, NY 14804. Time: 1:00 PM with the Pastor Scott DuMond officiating.
In Memoriam: Bob wouldn’t have wanted a fuss, but he would have been humbled to know that his passing helped support some of his favorite organizations such as:
Alfred-Almond Alumni Association: www.aacsalumni.org
Almond Historical Society: almondhistory.wordpress.com
Or if you feel led, you may honor Bob’s memory by taking a Veteran out for lunch.
Keep America Singing –Willis A. Diekema
Keep America singing, all day long,
Watch goodwill come a-winging, on a song.
Smile the while you are singing, oh, carry, carry your part,
Keep a melody ringing, in your heart.
*Keep America Singing is the Society motto and was sang at all official meetings*
