Robert Lee Hartloff, Jr. (lovingly called "Bob" or "Bobby"), 58, of Forestville died unexpectedly on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at his residence. He was born in Buffalo on March 7, 1968, the son of the late Robert and Darlene (Harrison) Hartloff, Sr.
Bob was a graduate of Forestville Central School, Class of 1986 and was currently working as a machinist for Excelco/Newbrook, Inc. in Silver Creek for approximately 40 years. Bob was also the owner/operator of Hartloff Builders in Forestville.
He was a member of Sunset Drifters Snowmobile Club, Buffalo & Gowanda Model Railroad Club in Gowanda and Hanover Center Fire Department, where he was an interior firefighter and an EMT. Bob was a past member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club and was a certified drone operator, having many videos on YouTube. He was an avid vintage snowmobile collector and model train enthusiast. Bob was always the clown at the party with "pull my finger" and giving "wet willies." He was truly "selfless to a fault" and will be sadly missed by his family, many loving friends and his dog "Ethel."
Survivors include two stepdaughters, Michelle (Brian) Wilson and Kristen (Edward Eaker) Kron; two sisters, Renee Hartloff and Maci Hartloff; a brother, Travis Hartloff; five grandchildren, Greyson, Briggs, Eliana, Hunter and Maren; two nieces, Bethany (Jackson) Bennett, Brittany (Nathan) Cope-Mekus; a nephew, Eric (Amanda) Cope; and several great-nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Scott and Patrick Hartloff; infant sister, Rachelle Lynn Hartloff; nephew, Alex Cope; nephew and godson, Adam Cope; and infant grandson, Marshall.
Friends are welcome to call on Tuesday, August 25 from 7:00-9:00 PM and Wednesday, August 26 from 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street in Forestville, where funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 26 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Michael Pollock, Pastor of Gage Chapel Community Church in Smith Mills, officiating. Interment will follow in Balltown Cemetery. A Fireman's Service will be conducted by members of Hanover Center Fire Department on Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the funeral home.
The family suggests memorials may be made to Hanover Hose Co. #1, c/o Steve Peters, 11919 Hanover Road, Silver Creek, NY 14136.
To post condolences or memories, go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
