Robert Multer Obituary

MIDDLESEX- Robert "Bob" Multer, age 90, passed away on October 10, 2023.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years and one day, Nancy Stanton Multer; three daughters, Christine Golder, Cheryl (Lester) Miles and Karol Multer; six grandchildren, Amber Champlin, Tamahara Hansen, Ryan LaVare, Kari Hansen, Samantha Hansen and Logan Multer-White; 18 great-grandchildren; brother, James (Janet Kennedy) Multer; and three nephews, James, Broderick and Richard Multer.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Teresa McLoud; brother, William Multer; and son-in-law, Michael Golder.

The son of Preston and Marie (Braun) Multer, Robert was born and raised in Batavia, N.Y., where he held many jobs while attending Batavia schools. Although he was salutatorian of his class, he left school at age 17 to join the Coast Guard, serving from 1950 to 1953 and then the reserves for a year.

Robert was a graduate of Dunwoody Institute in Minnesota, class of 1955 and began working for IBM as a Customer Engineer in St Paul, Minnesota and as an IBM Instructor in Poughkeepsie & Endicott, N.Y.

In 1962, he moved to Penn Yan, where he owned and operated Multer Electric, a retail appliance store that also specialized in electrical contracting and repairs for 20 years. Robert also owned and operated an insulation business for 13 years while farming acres of vineyards in Yates County.

In 1974, he was elected Supervisor for the Town of Barrington and elected Chair of Yates County Legislature, where he served for 39 years. Robert was the longest serving legislator for Yates County. He also served as Supervisor for the Town of Middlesex from 1985 to 2015, accomplishing many improvements during this 30 year record for Middlesex.

Through all Robert's years of service, he was never a politician, but always a statesman. His work was never about control or power, but always about the work of the people and the communities he served.

Robert enjoyed painting and collecting cook books. He spent over 30 years in his own kitchen as an amateur gourmet cook. He loved cooking for his wife, family and friends, and often took excursions to find unusual ingredients. He and Nancy always looked forward to their summer trips to Monhegan Island Maine.

Robert spent many mornings at Thompson Hospital's Cardiac Rehab / Fitness Center and became the longest attending patient of anyone over the years. He was a friend and support to many patients and staff. He especially loved meeting with Guy and Patti for their Thursday morning coffee clutch.

Robert stayed optimistic and maintained his wonderful sense of humor. He was a good and generous person. He relied on Todd and Jenn and was truly grateful for their support. He was loved by many, especially by his beloved cats, Princess Tiger Lily and Lord Byron. They would always made him smile.

Robert had been a member of the Penn Yan Kiwanis Club, Masonic Lodge, Yates County Solid Waste Authority and the NY Association of Counties. In 2010, he was awarded the Emily Seager Memorial Award from Yates County and in 2015, he received a NYS Assembly Citation.

"If you have no will to change it, you have no right to criticize it." Robert Multer 2020

In accordance with Robert's wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made for the purchase of a painting to be hung at the Yates County Building, as a memorial for Robert's service to the County and people he served. Checks may be made payable to Bonnie Percy with 'Memorial Celebration' as a memo, an email address, and mailed to Bonnie Percy, 20 Bigelow Ave., Dundee, N.Y. 14837. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Canandaigua. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.