Obituary of Robert Andrew Colton

GENEVA-Robert A. Colton, 72, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2024 after a 14 month illness. In honoring Bob's wishes, there will be no calling hours. Contributions in Bob's name can be made to the Jim Dooley Childcare Center at Geneva General Hospital. Bob was born on October 18, 1951 to Kenneth and Annagene (Pierce) Colton in Sidney, NY. He grew up in Waterloo and graduated from Waterloo High School. Bob worked several jobs in his younger years including, as a mechanic at D'Amico Chrysler and Geneva Ford. Once he became a father, he was very proud of his boys. He coached their Little League teams and was an assistant football coach in their high school years. In 1988 Bob was hired at Geneva General Hospital as a security officer. He worked his way up to become Security Manager and eventually Director of Security and Safety for all entities of Finger Lakes Health. Bob was very passionate about his job and retired after 30 years of service. During his tenure at Finger Lakes Health, he enjoyed playing Santa at Christmas time for the children at the daycare center and residents of the nursing home. Bob brought smiles and joy to both young and old. They loved him and that gave him much joy. He also worked private security at the Waterloo Outlet Mall and Seneca County Boat patrol. After his retirement, Bob wanted to stay busy, so he started driving a construction crew of his Amish friends at Peachey Builders. Bob became severely ill in Jan 2023. He was diagnosed with acute gallstone pancreatitis, to which his body could not recover from. Bob spent the next 14 months in several healthcare facilities, eventually succumbing to liver failure. He is survived by his sons Eric (Shai) Colton and Kenneth Colton, both of Waterloo; grandchildren Caitlyn, Tyler, Autumn and Connor Colton; sister Elizabeth (Paul) Singer; brothers Kevin (Cheryl) Colton and Ron (Terri) Colton; sisters-in-law Grace Colton and Edie Colton; several nieces and nephews. Bob is also survived by best friend of 35 years (and former spouse) Karen Laurenza and her son Michael Windle. Beside his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brothers Kenneth, Larry and Edward Colton. Bob liked to portray himself as a tough guy. He may have been a little rough around the edges, but the truth is he was a big soft guy. He would always help family and friends whenever he could and he was very generous. He lived his life like an angel with no halo and one wing in the fire. He made some mistakes along the way, but no person should be judged by their mistakes, but rather by the good they did. Rest in Peace Bob.