Robert R. Theleman

Robert R. (Bob) Theleman

April 9, 1929-August 24, 2024

Robert (Bob) Raymond Theleman, born on April 9, 1929, on the family farm near Center Lisle Cemetery, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024, at the age of 95.  A man of many talents and deep passions, Bob lived a life rich in love, work and community.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Herman W. and Lillian E. (Glezen) Theleman; his beloved wives, Marguerite “Peg” (Molyneaux) Theleman and Loretta Holl; brothers Theron and Herman “Walter”; sister Uadia; sons-in-law Gary Brown and Richard Ratcliff; stepson Monroe “Sonny” Perce; and nephew Russell Theleman.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Soniann “Kit” Ratcliff, Sandra Brown, and Verna Sue “Randi” Carlisle (Mike Repetto), as well as his stepchildren Richard and Ethanie Holl.  Bob’s legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Danie`l Fish, Denise (Kevin) King, Jacob Holl, Karolina Holl, Evan (Morgan) Holl, and Ellena Holl, and his great-grandchildren, Alex King, Ethan King, Isabella Holl, and Maeve Holl.  He also leaves behind his cousin Skip Glezen, nieces Marty (Ron) Faut, Marilyn Theleman, and Anita Ellis, and countless family and friends, including Joe and Kathy Newman from Country Hill Campground, where he was fondly adopted as a father figure.  Bob & Peg also fostered Viki Culver, who was like a daughter to them.

Educated in a two-room schoolhouse in Center Lisle, Bob’s early life on the farm instilled in him a lifelong love of the land.  He attended Whitney Point High School and began his professional life in 1955 as a  school bus driver for the Whitney Point School District.  Over the years, he advanced to Building and Grounds Superintendent, a position he held until his retirement in 1986.  Never one to fully retire, Bob continued to serve the district as “Clerk of the Works” with his company M & R industries, overseeing renovations until 1991.

Bob was a man of many passions.  He was a proud FAA Private Pilot, an accomplished woodworker, and a charter member and past president of the Silver Spokes Motorcycle Club of Marathon, NY.  His love for adventure and craftsmanship was matched by his deep devotion to his family and friends.  One of his favorite poems, High Flight by John Magee, perfectly captured his spirit: “ Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings.”

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Center Lisle Cemetery, P.O. Box 248, Whitney Point, NY   13862.

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