Robert F. Dankert

Robert, the son of the late Ralph W. Dankert and Lena (Piehl) Dankert, was born March 9, 1920 in the town of Pomfret. He married his wife, Alzina Draggett Dankert on June 26, 1941. He and his late wife, Alzina, who died May 6, 1979, made their home in Fredonia.

Mr. Dankert was a carpenter and contractor for Dankert Brothers. He was a WWII U.S. Army Air Force Veteran serving with the 853 Engineers Aviation Battalion CBI. He served on the HMT Rohna, and survived the November 26, 1943 attack of his ship, which was hit by enemy fire and sunk off the coast of North Africa, killing over 1,015 American troops. It was the greatest loss of American lives at sea during WWII, and was kept secret for over 50 years. Always proud of his military service, Mr. Dankert was a recipient of the Bronze Star and attended numerous military reunions over the years.

He is survived by his son, Charles E. (Mary) Dankert, of Fredonia; two grandsons, Brian C. (Karen) Dankert, of Tonawanda, N.Y. and Bradley E. Dankert, of Fredonia, N.Y.; three great-grandchildren, Tucker Robert, Kinsey Amelia, and Zeke Brooks Dankert. Also survived by his brother, William (Miriam) Dankert, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and wife Alzina, Mr. Dankert is predeceased by his son Wayne R. Dankert; brothers, Thomas, Ralph, Donald and Harry Dankert; and his sisters, Doris Thompson and Irene Odell.

Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial contributions in Mr. Dankert's memory may be made to the Laona United Methodist Church, the Fredonia Fire Dept., or the charity of your choice.

Calls may be made Monday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the Larson-Timko Funeral Home, 20 Central Avenue, Fredonia, N.Y., where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. Interment, with full Military Honors will follow at the Webster Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler.

Obituary from the Dunkirk Observer