Obituary of Robert C. Pearse

Robert C. Pearse, 94, of Cortland, passed away January 15, 2016 at the Cortland Regional Medical Center. He was born July 5, 1921 in Mohawk NY, the son of the late George and Blanche Fitch Pearse. After graduating high school Robert was a civilian employee of the US Army Air Corps prior to being drafted into the US Army in 1943. In 1944 he was an original member of the 517th Field Artillery Battalion. He served in the northern Solomon Islands and was part of combat operations to liberate the Philippines. After the surrender of Japan he was stationed in Japan during the Army occupation until his honorable discharge at the rank of sergeant in 1946. Upon his return to the states he attended Rider University and received his bachelor's degree in 1949. That same year he went onto to marry the love of his life the late Eleanor Moore Pearse. Together they shared 64 years of marriage. He began his working career in sales. He was employed by Cargill Corp., Pitney Bowes, and with Southwester Petroleum. He retired in 1995, but was still active with Southwestern Petroleum until his passing. As a resident of Cortland since 1954, Robert was an active member of the Cortland United Presbyterian Church, Cortland Country Club, Cortland Boy Scouts serving as Cub Master, Cortland Masons, and Commandery of Cortland Knights Templar. During the 1980's he served on the City of Cortland Public Safety Commission. Mr. Pearse is survived by his son Michael (Helen) Pearse of Chevy Chase MD, his daughter Nancy (Michael) Pearse Lepore of Stanfordville NY, granddaughters Darcy and Kimberly Lepore, his sister in law Margaret (Andrew) Levchenko of Silver Spring MD, nieces, nephews, and his caregivers "Angie", Diane, Caitlyn, Penny, and Christine who made it possible for him to live at his home for his remaining years. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 64 yrs Eleanor Pearse in 2014. A calling hour will be held Saturday 10-11 am with a memorial service to begin 11 am at the United Presbyterian Church of Cortland, corner of Central Ave. and Church St., Cortland NY. If possible burial will follow at the Cortland Rural Cemetery. The Wright-Beard Funeral Home is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cortland Salvation Army, 138 Main St., Cortland NY, 13045.