Robert E. Gosier, 85, lifelong resident of Cape Vincent, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family.
Robert was born in Watertown on September 7, 1931, the son of Elmer and Ella Salisbury Gosier. He was educated in one-room schoolhouses through his grade-school years and graduated from Cape Vincent Central School.
Bob enlisted in the United States Navy in January of 1952 and served aboard the U.S.S. New DDE 818 until December of 1955. After returning home, he worked construction jobs with Floyd Gould Sr. for 12 years. Afterwards, he became employed by the NYS Department of Transportation in Watertown and Collins Landing. He worked for New York State for 27 years.
He married Joan Price Johnson on May 22, 1971 at St. Vincent of Paul Catholic Church in Cape Vincent with Father Kennedy officiating. After gaining four children that he always treated as his own, Bob and Joan had a daughter, Julie.
Bob was the epitome of a devoted New York Yankee fan, traveling to Yankee Stadium on an annual basis with his lifetime friends, never missing a ballgame on the television or radio, and even teaching his children the names of all the players - he delighted in having them recite the names to his buddies.
He was a great friend to little leaguers who could always count on him to umpire their games, and was only a block away when an official didn’t show up – he would drop what he was doing and run up to the ballfield to help out.
Bob proudly served 67 years as a volunteer firefighter for the Cape Vincent Fire Department. He was also honored to be a veteran member of the John C. Londraville Legion, was recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as the 1980 Citizen of the Year, led the clean-up crew after the annual French Festival for over 45 years, and was known throughout the area communities for playing many years on the Township Basketball League and Fast-Pitch Men’s Softball League. He was especially pleased to have donated 19 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross over his lifetime. What pleased him the most was having his family around him and the love he felt from “Joanie’s kids”.
He spent his life working hard and performing acts of kindness, never expecting anything in return. The life lessons he taught by his example will be fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know him and have him in their lives.
Bob is survived by his wife, Joan, at home; his children, Joyce and her husband Jimmy Greene, Fort Mill, SC; Joanne Sabin, Alexandria Bay; Jeffrey and his wife Dr. Kimberly Johnson, York, SC; Jacqualine “Bopper” and her husband, Jim Costello, Alexandria Bay; and Julie and her husband Richy Wilkinson, Indian Land, SC; seven grandchildren: Lucas and Sean Mason, Vincent and Jacob Sabin, Robert, Elizabeth and River Costello, and Richie and Lexis Wilkinson; his brother, James Gosier and sister Kay Schiefer, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many people in the Cape who grew up fondly calling him Uncle Bob. He is predeceased by his brother Ned Gosier.
Calling hours will be held from 4-8 pm on Thursday, July 20, at the Cape Vincent Fire Hall. A special Fireman’s Bell Ringer service including “Last Call” will take place at 7:30. A funeral mass will be held on Friday at 11 am at St. Vincent of Paul Catholic Church with Father Paul Whitmore officiating. Burial will follow at the Catholic Cemetery on Route 12. A reception will be held at the Fire Hall.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to the Cape Vincent Volunteer Fire Department and/or Ambulance Squad, or to Hospice of Jefferson County.
The family would like to extend their deepest and heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Fire Department and Ambulance Squad for their assistance and compassion throughout these last two weeks and to the nurses and hospice employees for their kindness and professionalism.
Online condolences may be made at www.costellofuneralservice.com.