Obituary of Robert H. Olney

Robert H. Olney, age 82, of Rome, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2014. Robert was born on June 7, 1931 in Rome, son of Max H. and Marjorie D. Olney. He graduated from Rome Free Academy and Cornell University. On February 3, 1962, he married the former Mary H. Lowery of Utica; she passed away in 1992. Early in his business career, he was active in the family vegetable processing company, Olney & Floyd, Inc. He then joined Rome Turney Radiator Co., where he was an executive. After his retirement in 1990, he continued to work part time for Delta Lumber Co. Bob was a lifetime resident of the Rome/Westernville area. He was a member of Zion Episcopal Church, where he had been active as a warden, vestry person, and treasurer. He had been a director or trustee of the Rome Art and Community Center since its inception, and was a founding member of the Griffiss Ski Club. Bob was a member of Teugega Country Club and served as its secretary for several years, as well as a member of the Rome Community Foundation Board of Directors. Bob had a passion for life and enjoyed Lake Delta, skiing, traveling, and spending time with Carol, his children and grandchildren. Bob is survived by his three children and their families Andrew H. and Katharine S. Olney of Burlington, MA, James L. and Lynne R. Olney of Clifton Park, NY, and Kevin R. and Sarah O. Muoio of East Greenwich, RI; six grandchildren, Melissa and Lance Olney, Tyler and Connor Olney, and Emeline and Luke Muoio; his longtime companion, Carol S. Scheele of Ithaca, NY; and two sisters-in-law, Gloria B. Olney and Bealuh Kokernot. He was predeceased by two brothers, James and William. A Memorial Service will be held at Zion Episcopal Church on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 11 AM. A private burial will be in the Westernville Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Friends are welcomed to meet the family at the Rome Art and Community Center, 308 W. Bloomfield Street, between 12:30 and 3 PM on Thursday, May 1. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Zion Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 140 W. Liberty Street, Rome, NY 13440, or to the Rome Community Foundation, PO Box 609, Rome, NY 13442. Arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Please offer online condolences or light a candle at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.