Robert Owen Stanton of Lake Monticello, Virginia passed away peacefully in his home on March 7, 2020. His devoted wife of 58 years, Catherine, “Kay,” was by his side.
Robert, “Bob,” was born in New York City on February 25, 1937. He grew up in Yorkville and recalled fondly his childhood days of playing stoopball, visits to his beloved Museum of Natural History, and camping on the banks of the East River eating “mickies,” roasted potatoes.
Bob attended Bryant High School in Woodside, Queens where his athletic skills made him a standout in amateur boxing, basketball, and baseball. In 1955, immediately after his high school graduation, he was drafted by the Milwaukee Braves Farm Team. He was especially proud of his induction into the Oklahoma Softball Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, a knee injury sidelined his baseball career.
Bob served two years in the U.S. Army and loved his country. He met the love of his life, Catherine Walsh, in 1957 at American Cyanamide where they were both employed. Bob married Kay on September 2, 1961 in Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church in Howard Beach. The couple settled in Queens where they raised six children.
Bob became a New York City firefighter in 1963 and it is there that he found his true life’s passion. Bob’s proudest and happiest days were those in the Fire Department of New York stationed at tower Ladder 124 on Himrod Street, Brooklyn. He was a true hero, receiving many medals for his courageous and life-saving acts during 24 years in the FDNY.
Bob moved to Lake Monticello Virginia in 1995, joining several of his retired FDNY brothers. Bob suffered from various health ailments during these last years of his life and died peacefully in his home as he would have wished.
He is survived by his wife Kay, six children, Robert (Maureen), Patricia Ponzo (John), Catherine Mercer (Keith), Mary Hornung (Carl), Colleen Stanton, and Daniel Stanton (Gina), twelve grandchildren, and one great grandchild with two more on the way.
He will be missed by his many friends and loving family.
Well done Dad.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2020 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Rev. David Martin Ssentameu officiating. Family received friends an hour prior.