Obituary of Robert C. Thomasch, Sr.

Robert C. Thomasch Sr.

1930 - 2023

Vernon, NY - Robert C. Thomasch Sr., 92, of Vernon, passed away in the comfort of his home on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, with his daughter and two step-granddaughters by his side.

               Robert was born on December 15, 1930, to the late Paul E. Thomasch and Grace V. Smith. He graduated from Utica Free Academy, in June of 1949. Robert enlisted In the United States Air Force immediately thereafter, in July of 1949, and was Honorably Discharged in December of 1952, after having served as the Non-Commissioned Officer-In-Charge (NCOIC) of the Grades and Records Section of the Officer Candidate School (OCS), at Lackland Air Force Base, in San Antonio, Texas. He married Delores Guerra in 1953. They had 3 children Paula Marie, Robert Charles and Grace Anne.  Robert worked as a Millwright for Central Steel Erecting Company from 1953 until 1963. He attended Syracuse University during this time, graduating with a degree in Chemistry in 1958. Thereafter, he was employed by the New York State Department of Labor from 1967 until his retirement in 1989.  Robert married Betty Murphy on June 6, 1970. They had no children of their own. Betty had 3 children: Connie, William, and Deborah.

               Robert was a proud member of the Freemasons, the Utica Stamp Club, and the Oriskany Falls American Legion Post 569. He was an avid sports fan following Syracuse Basketball and Football, as well the NY Giants and the Boston Red Sox. He had a membership with the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame made several trips with friends. In his younger years, he had played baseball with the Oriskany Falls Town Team.  He particularly enjoyed watching sports and westerns. He had a great affinity to chocolates and his dog, Millie and enjoyed watching the wildlife around him.

          Robert is survived by his children, Paula McFarland, Robert Thomasch Jr. and Grace Anne Thomasch-Garrison; his sister, Doris Firsching; his step-children, Connie (John) Mennig and Deborah (Jake) Campbell; his grandchildren, Raquel and Kristina De La Cruz, Lynn Marie Thomasch, Robert Charles (Susan) Zimmer-Thomasch III, Kyle (Gabrielle) Everett; as well as 4 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren, Nancy (Patrick) Byrne, Karin Hall and Robert Mathews, Julie (Randy) Engelbrecht, William (Kristin) Campbell, his extended step-grandchildren, Terri (Paul) Konu; and his step-great-grandchildren, Cassady Konu, Avery Byrne, Brody and Blake Engelbrecht, and Martin Campbell. He is also survived and was blessed with the love and support of very special friends (whom he loved as family) Lance and Lisa Vella and their 5 children.  Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty, his step-son William Murphy, and his parents Paul and Grace Thomasch.

                A Celebration of Life will take place in Mr. Thomasch’s memory on Friday, April 7, 2023 at 12:00 pm at R.P. Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., 10 East Park Row, Clinton.  Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 10 – 12, prior to the service.  Interment, in Crown Hill Memorial Park, Clinton, will take place privately at the convenience of the family.

                In lieu of flowers, those wishing may donate to The Rescue Mission Alliance, or to the Activity Centers of the Presbyterian Home or Lutheran Home.

                Online memorial and guestbook available at www.rpheintzfsi.com.