Robert Wallace Eames Obituary – Rochester Democrat And Chronicle

Robert Wallace Eames

Robert Wallace Eames of Penfield, NY, 94, passed away peacefully after a short illness on May 21, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.

Robert was born on May 21, 1928 in Oneida New York, the third son of David Kirkland Eames and Vera Burton Eames. He grew up on the family dairy farm in Oneida Valley, New York, and attended Oneida High School, graduating in 1946. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, served as a PFC, stationed in Italy , 1946-1948. After his release, he attended Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY and received his bachelor’s degree in 1952. He earned a master’s degree in library science from Columbia University, then began a 34-year career as a reference librarian at the Rochester Public Library from 1954 until his retirement in 1988.

Bob was an avid traveler and photographer, making many trips across the United States and across Europe, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. Closer to home, usually with his friend Jim, on foot or on his bike, he covered many miles of streets and roads in and around Rochester. He loved classical music, was a regular audience member at the Rochester Philharmonic, and was a huge opera fan, making multiple trips to the Opera House in Sarasota, Florida. He was a book lover, member and president of the Bibliophile Society of Rochester, a book and record collector, and volunteered at local bookstores in his retirement. He was a big fan of classic films from the 30s to the 60s.

He seemed to have an encyclopedic memory for literature, music and cinema. He told us how he solved difficult information requests, as a reference librarian in the pre-internet era. Before Google, it was its own search engine. But he also had a memory for real life, never forgetting family members’ birthdays; her Christmas and birthday presents were always interesting and carefully chosen books. He often regaled us with stories of farm life and visits from eccentric relatives. He was chronically cheerful, laughed a lot, and could see humor in almost any situation.

Bob has been an active member of the Third Presbyterian Church of Rochester for over 60 years, serving in many capacities including elder, deacon, Food Cupboard volunteer, member of the Peace & Justice committee and architectural church tour guide. With the YAF fellowship group, he found a “second career” in the show business, acting in several productions; perhaps his role as Count Dracula was most memorable.

Bob is predeceased by his parents and five siblings. He is survived by his best friend of 54 years, James Hughes, Jr, of Victor, NY; by nieces Margo Tompkins of Mims, FL and Mary Ellen Casabonne of Clifton Park, NY; and by nephews Charles Eames, Jr of Waycross, GA, Frederick Eames of Delmar, NY, David Eames of Oil City PA, Robert Carson of Clifton Park, NY, Timothy Carson of Fort Myers Beach, FL, Kenneth Carson of Mooresville, NC , and Andrew Eames of Winter Garden, FL.

Following cremation by Anthony Funeral & Cremation Chapels, a memorial service will be held at Rochester’s Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St, on Saturday, June 25 at 11 a.m. Written remembrances or notes of sympathy may be sent to Charles Eames, Jr, 316 Pineview Dr, Waycross, GA 31501. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob’s memory to the Third Presbyterian Church of Rochester, 4 Meigs St, Rochester, NY 14607. To share a memory of Robert or send condolences to the visiting family www.anthonychapels.com.