Robert C. Pine of Dayton passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at his home at the age of 92. He was born in Gowanda on December 16, 1932, son of the late Vernon and Anna (Sternisha) Pine.
Robert attended Gowanda High School, graduating with the Class of 1950. On June 27, 1953, he married his loving wife, Norma M. Gabel, who predeceased him on April 8, 2020.
He was employed at the Moench Tanning Company when he was drafted into the Army and deployed to Korea from 1953-1954. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. After returning home, he returned to the Moench Tanning Company, followed by work in the power plant at the former J.N. Adam Developmental Center, where he also served as President of the CSEA Union. He later transferred to the Gowanda Psychiatric Center and retired as Plant Superintendent in April 1991.
He was a life member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Gowanda American Legion Post #409, Gowanda VFW Post #5007, Gowanda Moose Lodge #1382, Gowanda Slovenian Club, Dayton Volunteer Fire Company and honorary life member of Heidi Hose Company. A devoted fireman, he served many years as Chief, Assistant Chief, Safety Officer, Secretary, and Chaplain. He also served as Chairman and member of the Dayton Board of Fire Commissioners and member of the Southwestern Volunteer Firemen's Association. In August 2022, he was honored for his 70 years of dedication to the Volunteer Fire Service.
Bob loved woodworking, hunting, fishing, and just being in the woods.
Besides his parents and wife, Norma, he is also predeceased by a sister, Anna Marie Sage; and sister-in-law, Althea Brooks. He is survived by a daughter, Pamela (Danny) Kuhs of Newburyport, MA; a son, Douglas (Helen) Pine of Gowanda; three grandchildren, Dr. Cayla (Jonathan) McBee of Mendon, MA, Sean (Callie) Pine of Brewerton, NY and Brianna Pine (Captain Aaron Cusick) of Colorado Springs, CO; five great-grandchildren, Elisa, Laina and Willa McBee and Lincoln and Charlotte Cusick; a sister, Phyllis Skok of Mentor, OH; brother-in-law, Daniel (Beverly) Gabel; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call on Sunday, January 12 from 3:00-8:00 PM from the Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 105 East Main Street in Gowanda. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said on Monday, January 13 at 11:00 AM from St. Joseph's RC Church in Gowanda. Burial with military honors will be in Jolls Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Dayton Fire Company, 9512 Route 62, Gowanda, NY 14070.
Online condolences may be made at www.mentleyfuneralhome.com.
