Obituary of Robert San Jule

Robert Charles San Jule died on December 24, 2020. He was 81 years old. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Arlene (Spencer) San Jule. He is survived by his wife, Maria (Ottenschot) San Jule and their children; Robin (Tim) Apps, Tim (Wanda) San Jule, Andy (Toni) San Jule and Sue San Jule (Mike Robinson). Bob is also survived by his grandchildren, Casey and Sean Apps, Opal Lechmanski and Becky (James) Csomay, Mallory San Jule and Molly San Jule and Abrah, Danielle and Caleb Robinson, his sister Bonnie Wright and sister and brother-in-law Renee' (Tim) Campbell and their daughter Kaitlin, a sister-in-law Joanne (Bob) Norton, brothers-in-law George (Dolores) Ottenschot and Bob (Robin) Ottenschot, four great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Born in Pennsylvania, he grew up and attended primary and secondary schools in the Philadelphia area and was a graduate of Drexel University. While at Drexel, he was in R.O.T.C. and after graduation served a tour of duty in the United States Army in Germany. After returning to Cortland Bob transferred into the National Guard and joined his father in the family business, O'Shea Tire Service, managing it until his retirement. He also remained in the National Guard, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after twenty-five years. Although Bob was not born here, he loved everything about Cortland and being a people person and civic minded, he actively volunteered and served his community wherever possible. He was affiliated over the years with many organizations but close to his heart was his involvement with the Youth Bureau, the Sports Booster Club of Cortland High School, the Cortland University Club and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Athletic and a fitness buff, Bob was a runner, squash, racket ball and tennis player, a cycling enthusiast who enjoyed bicycle touring and was a cross country and downhill skier. He always loved watching his children's sports endeavors and eventually his grandchildren's, usually being the loudest and most opinionated spectator! An avid traveler, he was up for any trip, any time to anywhere. There was always another place to go. For the last ten years of his life, he dealt with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and as it slowly took his personality and speech, he struggled to find the words to describe his journeys, finally being left with only five words: "Different Places all the Time". An apt epitaph for a man who embraced with gusto all different experiences and places! Rest in Peace A private memorial Mass for family will be held Saturday May 15, 2021 at 1:00 pm at St. Mary's church Cortland NY, to stream the funeral Mass visit Robert's obituary and clicking "Live funeral Stream". Private burial was held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Cortland NY.