Greece/Lima: At age 86 surrounded by family, Robert Leonard Booher passed away peacefully on February 18th at the home of his daughter and son-in-law Joanna (Gregory)Collins, South Lima NY, after a battle with cancer. Robert was born on March 5, 1937, in Rochester, NY to Avon NY residents Claire Leonard Booher and Cornelia Bernice MacArthur. He is predeceased by his parents, first wife Jane Vanderhoof, sister and brother-in-law Lynda (Craig) Porter, and niece Kymberly Porter. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Booher, children, Cynthia (Robert) Little, and Joanna (Gregory) Collins, stepchildren, Robert (Tracey) Cawlfield, and John (Emily) Allen. Grandchildren, Matthew (Chandra) Ladelpha, Katelynn Ladelpha, Cory (Leigha) Collins, Christopher (Megan) Collins, Ethan (Meghan) Collins, Spencer Collins, step-grandchildren, Carlos Sierras, Christina Sierras, Colin Cawlfield, Cam Cawlfield. Great grandchildren, Madilyn Ladelpha, Sadie Lynn Ladelpha, River-Lyn Collins, Jeremiah Sierras, Ricardo Sierras, and Elena Sierras, niece Karen Porter, nephew Mark (Rose) Porter, and children Joshua, Lori and Jennifer.
Parents, Claire and Cornelia (aka Nene) Booher welcomed their firstborn with great celebration. Five years later they welcomed Bob’s little sister, Lynda, to the family. He attended and graduated from Livonia Central School District. He graduated from Colgate University in 1959, where he was chosen to sing and travel with the University’s illustrious Colgate 13. He attended Colgate Rochester Divinity School in 1962 and was ordained as a Presbyterian Minister the same year and was called to Christ Presbyterian Church in Rochester.
He married his first wife Jane Vanderhoof in 1962 welcoming daughters Cynthia and Joanna in due course while he started four neighborhood associations as a specialized ministry. He was very active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked for the equality of all human beings regardless of race, creed, and skin color. His passion led him to attend a large gathering in Washington D.C. where he heard Martin Luther King give his ‘I Have a Dream speech’. An account he loved telling his grandchildren about!
In 1974 his family joined the Ecumenical Institute/Institute of Cultural Affairs where he worked internationally for 10 years helping communities improve their lives through planning and implementing programs. In 1983 Bob returned to the Rochester Area to start his consulting firm, PMA Associates of the Genesee Valley, Inc. working with over forty area organizations. In 1984 he married Sarah (Cawlfield, Kiser) Allen. They settled in Livonia, along with Sarah’s sons Robert Cawlfield and John Allen. He continued his work developing programs as Executive Director of Livingston County Coalition of Churches promoting and supporting the development of new programs such as food pantries, local prison family visitation, and most importantly to him, the establishment of Teresa House in Geneseo, a beautiful hospice home that continues to help families navigate through difficult times. At the same time, he served several long-term interim Pastor positions with rural Presbyterian congregations officially retiring from Ministry in 2002.
Through Sarah Bob discovered his love of all things equestrian later in life. In 1990 he and Sarah bought a farm in Livonia and twelve years later a farm in West Sparta. For 29 years he enjoyed being a very hard-working gentleman farmer. He rode and raised horses, loved his tractor and dogs, Ginger and Cadbury, so much, and watched his crops, horses, and Koi fish grow from his back porch. He and Sarah were active in the Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club and Genesee Valley Hunt. Bob could be found manning the swinging gate at the Genesee Valley Hunt Trials every year, often recruiting available grandsons to help him. In West Sparta, his tomato plants grew to enormous heights with a mound of horse dung as fertilizer. We would laugh at his methods, but the tomatoes were delicious.
In 2019, due to health issues, Bob and Sarah gave up their horse farm and moved to an independent living apartment at The Village at Unity in Greece NY. Just before his passing Bob and Sarah celebrated forty years of their marriage.
In keeping with Robert’s wishes, no formal funeral services will take place at this time. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com Memorial gifts may be given to Teresa House 21 Highland Road, Geneseo, NY. 14454
Robert Booher loved music. As a Sophomore in Livonia, NY High School, Bob and three good friends organized a dance band and played for school and community occasions. At that time Bob played the lead Trombone. And of course, he sang at Church and in school chorus. But Bob’s experience at college, singing and traveling with the Colgate 13 had a powerful impact on his life. That he was chosen for that honor gave him confidence in his voice and ability.
All of his life as a clergy Bob was engaged on Sunday mornings as a Pastor or in the Mission. There were places he had to be every Sunday. He would often tell me that his heart’s desire was to sing with a great church choir under a skilled director. So after retirement he went on his search. He happily joined the choir at St Michaels Episcopal in Geneseo, NY and sang there many years. When we moved to the Village at Unity in Rochester, he found another Church where the Eastman School of Music vocal students sang and added his lovely base voice there.
But it turns out he was open to many types of groups with capable leadership He joined the Rochester Oratorio Society’s 100 plus chorus, The Fingerlakes Festival Chorus, Warsaw NY Barber Shop Chorus and more. He rarely turned down an invitation to sing. He often had rehearsals five days a week. He was quite dedicated to his preparation and anyone coming to our apartment was used to him rehearsing or warming up in the other room. The office was populated with scattered shoulder bags each dedicated to a particular chorus. The calendar was full of concerts and performances. This later in life musical activity and its sociality was very fulfilling.
Unfortunately, with the onset of COPD symptoms in his early 80’s he began to lose range and often performed as a baritone. From then on it was a struggle to balance singing versus treating the disease as the medicines badly impacted his voice. He dedicated himself to vocal lessons until it was clear it was a losing battle and joined the small chorus at the Village where his residual ability was highly valued. But he wouldn’t give in to losing the musical part of himself, even asking the Music therapist provided through hospice to help him do vocal warm-ups only a few months before he died. Robert Booher loved music and I loved that about him.
By Sarah Booher 3/7/2024
I just learned of Bob’s recent death from my eldest brother, Kristen. “ Just discovered that we’ve lost our dear family friend Bob Booher.”
Although I barely remember him, he was indeed, our Dad and Mom’s (Jim and Florene Hughes) DEAR FRIEND! Many many times throughout my life II remember Dad sharing such wonderful warm stories and memories of my DEAR FRIEND Bob.. and although I was not a part of those memories in the present time.. I feel as though we have become DEAR FRIENDS.. in spirit over the years. May he rest in peace, enjoy and rekindle a friendship in life beyond us all.. I know he was welcomed with many open arms!
Cherish the memories…
With love and friendship,
Kim (Hughes) Taylor
Dear Sarah and Family,
Bob was a Beacon of light in the bass section of our chorus. He always went out of his way to put a smile on your face or make you laugh.It was always apleasure to be around him and sing with him.We will miss him.Condolences from the Warsaw Barbershop Chorus and The “Whatever Four” Quartet.
I’m so honored to have known Bob these past 4 years. I’ll never forget when he came into my office, sat down and declared he wanted to start a running club. I thought he had lost it! My days were made brighter when he’d pass by my office, always making a point to say hello, always checking in on me. I loved listening to his stories and getting his insight on all things. Just days before he left he proclaimed to everyone within earshot, that I win for nicest person. I miss Bob every day. I’m glad I had the opportunity to say “goodbye” to him. He was still Bob until the very end joking and taking care of us, not worried about himself. He even made a point to ask about my daughter. I’m not sure our community will ever be the same without him. But I know that I’m a better person having had the privilege to be a part of his later years. I will never forget him. My deepest condolences and hugs to Joanna, Sarah and family, I hope all the wonderful memories of Bob, comfort you in your healing process. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
Go with God Bob. It was so nice to have you as a friend. Good times in the hunt field and around in the valley. I know your faith will lead you home.
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Her was a member of our choir at St. Michaels in Geneseo for a number of years and participated in many of our musical and other events. He also officiated at my grand daughter’s wedding. He was a good and talented human being and we all enjoyed his sense of humor. He made the world a better place and will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers are with you all and in tiome, may you gert comfort from the wonderful memories you must have of him
So sorry to hear that Bob passed away. My sympathy to Sarah and the rest of the family. I enjoyed getting to know Bob while foxhunting with the Genesee Valley Hunt. And, I was grateful when Sarah and Bob provided a final pasture for my old horse and helped me when he died.
I had the honor to sing with Bob in the Warsaw barbershop chorus. My wife Tammy was always there at rehearsal and developed a special bond with Bob, as well. We both enjoyed his sense of humor and love for music, but most of all his kindness. The love he shared with Sarah was always evident, and knowing both of you has enriched or lives. Bob, you will be missed.
I will never forget his laugh and his awesome singing voice! I loved to hear his stories especially when he sang barbershop with my uncle! Prayers to Sarah and his family.
On behalf of both current and former members of the ROCHESTER ORATORIO SOCIETY, we send our condolences to wife Sarah and all of the family for your loss. Bob sang bass and was a member of ROS during the years 2009 to 2020. May Bob rest in peace.
Another one of the “good guys” from my young years growing up in Lakeville, NY,
with Bob and Lynda at LCS and Lakeville Congregational Church. It brings back so
many good memories of years gone by. I extend my sincere condolences to Bob’s
entire family. Having recently lost my husband, just 4 days older than Bob being born
3/1/1937, I share your loss and wish you the very best going forward with our Lord
leading you all. Sincerely, Lonnie (Ziegler) Westfall
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. What a great person he was, so friendly to everyone. Many years ago, I along with my niece, had a house cleaning service and we began working for them when they lived in Livonia and then continued with this when they moved to Sparta. After many years of working, I decided to retire and one day Bob showed up at my church, St Michael’s Episcopal Church in Geneso, N.Y. He joined our church choir and stayed with that for many years. I’m surprised that wasn’t mentioned in the above story about him. He had a great voice and loved to sing. We could hear him singing around his house many times while we cleaned. My deepest condolences go out to Sarah and family. Going to miss this wonderful man. RIP, Bob, until we meet again.
Had the pleasure to work for Bob at the Coalition of churches in Geneseo. Great person. May he rest in oeace
Thanks for being a good friend Bob, in our Order days in Chicago. I remember you with affection, and recall your humour and also your decision to get the job done. !
You sent me a photo of yourself on one for your horses, and I really enjoyed that, especially at the time! Well done, faithful Servant xoxo. Vale, Isobel
Ellie and I met Bob and Jane after graduating from seminary and joining the staff of the Dewey Avenue Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY in 1969. Bob was pastor of the Christ Presbyterian Church and we worked with him first in the Northwest Ecumenical Ministry (NEM) and then in the Local Church Experiment of the Institute of Cultural Affairs to renew the local church and community and the world. It was exciting work! In 1974, Bob joined the Order:Ecumenical in Chicago and we followed a year later. Bob was so great to work with and be with because of his deep commitment to church, community, and world renewal and because of his deep insights and wisdom and affability. He was like a brother to us and a committed man of faith! Our thoughts and prayers to Sarah and all the family as well as the many friends and colleagues who knew him and worked with him over the years. Hard to believe he is gone!
Rev. Ellie and Carleton Stock
St. Louis, MO
To Sarah and Bob’s family –
I am so saddened for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Bob was a classmate in grammar and high school and a big part of our class. We will all miss him. RIP Bob.
Judy Brennan
I was so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. I enjoyed many years of singing with him in choruses in Geneseo and Rochester. We often reminisced about the people and life in Avon! We’ve lost one of the good guys! My sympathy to Sarah and his family.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. I always had pleasant times with him connected to the Teresa House in Geneseo. One of the founders of this precious comfort care home. Heartfelt sympathy to his family. Kate Kingsley. Geneseo
Condolences to Sarah and Bob’s entire family. Bob was the best! I will never forget how much he helped me with information to start up my small fitness business . He did so much for our community and the world around him. Thinking of you, sending prayers and hugs.
We’re so very sorry to hear Bob has passed away. We enjoyed him very much during his time in our little town of West Sparta.amd missed he and Sarah when they our area. All our love to Sarah and God bless you always… Love,Greg and Trish always…
Joanna and Cindy and families. So very sorry for your loss. Many hugs to you all. Betty and Rich