Honeoye: John Robert “Bob” Hoover passed away suddenly on March 6, 2024, at the age of 81. Born in Montour Falls, NY; he was predeceased by his parents; Florence & John Hoover and his stepmother, Clara Hoover. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Merrily; son, Brent (Mary Karen), daughters, Shannon (Andrew), and Krista; grandchildren, AJ, Allen, Natalie, Aidan, Paige, Danielle, Wyley Robert, Isabel, Mabel and Clara; brother, Norman Hoover and sister-in-law, Heather (Bruce) Armstrong, nieces (Kelley and Kristy) and nephews (Mark and Mike); as well as a loving extended family and many dear friends.
He gave his life to service, adventure, and family. As a boy growing up in Montour Falls, he raced boats on Seneca Lake and developed a love for fast cars, fishing, and hunting. One of his favorite stories to tell was of skipping school on May Day in his adolescence, forgoing dancing around the maypole to go fishing with his best friend Bob “Sully” Sullivan. Friends marveled at the height, at which he hung his tree stand, as it was legendary. His love of hunting and fishing was only surpassed by his love for his family.
He met the love of his life in his senior year at SUNY Cortland where he earned his Bachelor’s/ Master’s degree in Education. He went on to attend Aviation Officer Candidate School to achieve his Commission in the United States Navy and designation as a Naval Aviator. Merrily and Bob were married in July of 1966 and Bob departed for Vietnam shortly thereafter, where he flew as a Naval Flight Officer and survived 87 combat missions. His letters home always expressed his love for his parents and his young wife, whom he could not wait to see again.
Upon returning from Vietnam he and Merrily moved back to the Rochester area to begin his next career. He continued his service as a beloved educator in West Irondequoit Central School District for 25 years where he developed lifelong friendships. Bob retired after 28 years in education as the Assistant Superintendent of Honeoye Falls-Lima Central School District. Retirement included a continued connection to education as a consultant and more time for family, hunting, fishing, boating, skiing, and travel. Throughout his life, former students would recognize him as he made his way through life, and with great smiles on their faces, tell him how he had influenced their lives in his teaching. It was impossible not to feel his sincere interest and curiosity for all those he encountered. From the homeless of Washington DC to his four-year-old granddaughter and her love of mermaids.
He dedicated nearly 27 years of service to Bristol Mountain Ski Patrol which fed his love of service and the outdoors. He was all smiles as he watched his children teaching their children how to maneuver those boards this past February. He loved his family with a passion and was never shy to relish in his wife, his children, and later, his grandchildren and their accomplishments. From learning to read to learning to fly.
He had a dream of giving all Veterans an opportunity to experience life and healing after the tragedies of war, and worked to create OASIS Adaptive Sport (Outdoor Adventures for Sacrifice in Service) an organization for Veterans and Service Members to enjoy the outdoors through skiing, sailing, fly fishing, horseback riding, hockey, and archery, just as he so did. He gave selflessly and with great compassion.
Bob enjoyed his meals with his family most of all. Thanksgiving was his favorite. Enjoyment started the night before as he broke bread for stuffing, smelled pies baking, and swelled with anticipation for the family to gather at the table. He was the last to finish, savoring every bit of those moments. He will be missed and those who knew him know we have lost one of the good ones. He led by example and his legacy endures in the lives he has touched. Most assuredly, by the love of his life and partner of 57 years, Merrily.
Family and friends are invited to share in the celebration of Bob’s life on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 11 AM – 1 PM at Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 8624 Main Street, Honeoye, NY where Bob’s Memorial Service will take place following calling. Bob will receive Military Honors after his Memorial Service. Memorial contributions can be made in Bob’s memory to: Bristol Mountain Ski Patrol, 5663 NY-64, Canandaigua, NY 14424, or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. To send a condolence or share a memory, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com