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
Bob and Oasis Adaptive Sports changed the lives of us retired hockey players . For 15+ years we now have had the priviledge to work with the finest MEN and WOMEN of this country teaching they the game we love. We thank you, will miss you and will keep your family in our Thoughts and Prayers
The Rochester American Alumni
Spent many hours on Bristol training him and then work with him on the many projects that we had at the Mtn. Merrily, and family, please except my condolences for your loss.
Bob and I met in 1966 when we were assigned to a Navy A-1 squadron, VAW-13, in Alameda Ca. He and Merrily had just married.
Working and flying together we became good friends and stayed in touch over these 58 years. Some of my fondest memories are of the good times we had exploring and enjoying San Francisco.
His life was well lived, as is evident in his fine family, many friends, and contributions to his community.
Bob was one of the rare persons who cared about people and how he lived his life. His passing leaves an empty space in all our hearts.
Rest in peace my friend.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Thing of you Brent and Paige..
Merrily, so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I cannot think of Bob without hearing his hardy laugh and seeing his gentle smile. Bob was always curious about others and genuinely cared to listen. He is a gift to all that have met him. May he soar above and continue to bless you all- God speed and love to all of you
Dear Merrily & Family, Can’t believe Bob is gone. He was so energetic and full of life. We will so miss his beautiful spirit and love for life. We love you and are keeping you in our prayers each day.
Love you, Heather & Bruce
Was a pleasure to have known Bob (and Marrily) through many many years on the ski patrol. He was always involved in some project to make things bettrr for others.
I considered him a friend and know he will be missed by many. RIP Bob !
Had breakfest with Bob at Bristol Mt the week before. We shared many old Bristol patrol mmemories from the early days. Bpb talked proudly about his daughter’s Navy service as a pilot and test pilot. Bob was very dedicated to whatever he was doing. He will be missed.
One of the nicest administrators, education consultants, and all around great person who enjoyed the opportunities in life to make others productive and happy. Once he met you, he never forgot you – a very skilled networker – to all in the family my sincerest sympathy, you had one of the best.
Great educator, great friend, and a dedicated professional who saw the value in every student. He gave so much to great causes and community organizations. A quick and ready smile who brought the best out in people.
Merrily and family, I was so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was special to all of us. We had so many special times from Sodus Point to Powder Mill Park and Bristol Mt. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
Merrily, and family, please except our condolences for your loss. Bob really was, “one of the great ones”, I will always cherish the time I was able to spend with Bob over the past 25 years. He will always live in my memories.
Know that you are in our thoughts during such a sad and emotional time.
Always,
Holly & Jami
I feel as if I have lost a brother. He is one of those people who, when I think of them, it brings a smile to my face. I had the pleasure of teaching with Bob for over 25 years in West Irondequoit. He was a mentor and a friend. Even when he came into my classroom to observe and review my performance, I loved seeing him at the back of the room. But not only was he a great teacher, I also respected him as a man who would call out wrongs and speak up for what was right. He was a kind, generous and humorous man who will be remembered and missed by all. My heart and prayers are with Merrily and his family.
I am so sorry to hear about Bob, he was an incredible teacher and instructor, specifically in my early days in ski patrol. He was patient, kind and knowledgeable about whatever he was task with teaching at that time. Both Bob and Merrily were wonderful mentors for so many of us. My sincere condolences to the Hoover family. May God bless you all. John Topping.
It was a privilege to be counted among Bob’s friends…he will be missed
Spent an hour after the Bristol Breakfast (for all 80 and over season pass holders) Monday, Feb.26th catching up on life’s stories since last we met. Many fond memories of ski patrol adventures when he and Merrily were so active. Can’t believe he’s passed but am grateful we had the opportunity to talk.