Obituary of Robert R. Friers

Robert R. Friers, 86, of Oriskany Falls, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, with his loving family by his side.  He was born in Fultonville, August 9, 1939, and is the son of the late George A. and Ada May (Borden) Friers.

He is pre-deceased by his wife whom he married October 31, 1963, Marylou (Crumb) Friers and passed away October 17, 2017.

Robert graduated from Fonda-Fultonville Central School in 1955 and went on to pursue his undergraduate work at The College of Brockport, State University of New York and graduated in 1961.  After graduation, he started his life of service to the community at Oriskany Falls High School as a Physical Education teacher and subsequently at Waterville Central School in 1983 when Oriskany Falls Union Free School was incorporated into the Waterville Central School District.  Upon his retirement, he continued as a substitute teacher through 2014 at WCS and devoted his time and support to the community as a Trustee for the Village of Oriskany Falls.  After more than 5 decades of dedication and service to the Oriskany Falls and Waterville communities, many awards and certificates of appreciation, nothing was a more powerful reminder of Robert’s impact on the lives of his students and community, often multiple generations, than the frequent visitors at 128 Cooper Street to check up on “The Coach”.  He cherished these visits as a way to keep up with the community and the development and advancement of so many he imparted his wisdom over the years.

Robert is survived by his sons John Friers, Oriskany Falls, Joseph (Barbara) Friers, Alexandria, VA, Jeffrey (Rebecca) Friers, Bainbridge Island, WA, his two grandchildren, Dawson and Claire Friers, Bainbridge Island, WA, his brothers James Friers of Madison and David (Cynthia) Friers of Fultonville, and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.

Besides his parents and wife, Robert is predeceased by his sisters Irene Meyer, Elois Cole, Dorothy Rose, Jean Palmatier, Kathryn Lusso and his brother Aurthur Friers.

The family extends their gratitude to the Wynn Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nursing staff for their expertise and compassionate care.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 4 to 7 pm at the R. P. Heintz Funeral Home, 10 East Park Row, Clinton, NY 13323.

Internment will take place in a private ceremony at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Clinton, in the Spring.