Obituary of Robert F. Bull

Robert F. Bull, passed away on March 6, 2012 at Newark Manor in Newark, NY. Recently of Orchard Estates in Williamson, NY, he resided in Sodus, NY most of his life. He was 84. The son of the late George H. Sr., and Lillian (Hartman) Bull, he was born January 1, 1928 in Homer NY, and grew up in the area. A 1945 graduate of Homer Academy, Bob attended Cornell University for one year before enlisting in the Army Airborne in 1946. Following basic training at Fort Benning, Ga, he went on occupation duty in Japan with the 11th Airborne Division. During this period of service, he attended glider school, air transportability school, jump master and path finder school, and aeronautical school. Bob was an exceptional Para rigger and repairman. Comments have been made by fellow airmen that they would specifically ask for chutes packed by Bob before jumping because they were packed right, and the user would make a safe jump. He was honorably discharged in 1949. Bob returned to the Army in 1952, assigned to the 623rd Air Equipment Repair Company at Fort Benning, Ga. During this period of service, he was presented with a letter of commendation for being the outstanding graduate of Class 23, Quartermaster Leaders Course at a ceremony held at Fort Lee, NJ. During his total service in the Army, Bob was awarded 3 letters of commendation, a World War II Victory medal, Army of Occupation-Japan medal, National Defense Service medal, and a Good Conduct medal. His final discharge as Sargent 1 st class was in 1954. Bob returned to Cornell University to complete his BSA in Vegetable Crops. He volunteered his time to ROTC while there, and was an active member of the Alpha Zeta fraternity. Sarge, was a mentor to his younger fellow classmates and fraternity brothers. He graduated in 1957. Following graduation, he accepted a job as the assistant county agent for Oneida County. Bob wrote a regular column in the Utica Observer, titled The Weekend Gardener, which gave advice on planting, pest control, nuisance plants and fertilization to the average home gardener. His experience as county agent, and continued contact with Cornell Alumni, led him to Wayne County on Lake Ontario. A rich area for fruit crops and farming, Bob worked with area farmers, Agway, and later opened his own Ag Services business which provided fertilization and pest management services. Recognized as an expert in soils and tree fruit, he was well respected for his knowledge and service to farmers in the Northeast. He also served as a consultant for DEC, and issued one of only four licenses given to perform fish kill. Bob had a love for agriculture that encompassed proper soil management, and conservation. He was environmentally aware well before his time. Bob was also active in his Sodus community. He served as a Boy Scout Leader, helped people with their home gardens and lawns, was a Master Gardener instructor, and a constant figure at the Sodus Free Library. When a fire destroyed the library, Bob was very active in the planning and relocation of the current library. He had a lifelong love of learning and books. Bob volunteered his time and knowledge to the library, where he was most often found when he closed his business. He did genealogy research for anyone who asked, and had a great knowledge of the history and settlers of the area. Children in the area may remember him as the guy who could fix their bike, or a flat tire. He recycled old bike parts, and made new bikes for kids who did not have one. Bob took great joy in seeing them enjoy their bike. Bob never married, but is survived by his sister Mary Baker of Scott, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother George H. Jr. in 1996, and his sister Margaret R. Turner in 2006. Graveside services will be held Monday April 16 at 3:00 pm at Sampson Vererans Memorial Cemetery Waterloo, NY . To offer on line condolences visit www.wright-beard.com I read the obituary in the SUN RECORD that came out today on "Bob" and I wish to express my condolences to the family. I was acquainted with Bob through the ag business that he and my husband Tom ran for a few years in Sodus, NY. Bob was always kind to me and to our two children. I could tell he like the children by the sparkle in his eyes when he saw them or talked about them. Actually he didn't know our son, Lawson, as well as our dauther,Jessica. She was 2 yrs older than Lawson and by the time he came along I think the ag business was going under. After that we only saw each other occasionally in passing up town or in the Sodus Library, I hope Bob didn't suffer too much. When I use to see him at the library he always had a tank of oxygen with him. We would talk and catch up a bit. Bob would often ask about the lecture series that is held annually in Rochester, NY in memory of our Jessica. It was apparent that Bob was saddened by Jessica's sudden passing. After Bob moved to Williamson I lost touch with him completely. Interestingly enough I was just thinking about Bob recently. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Kathy Henderson My sincere and deepest sympathies to all the family.. I am so sorry I didn't get to see him before his death.. I lost touch with him when I moved.. Mary please get in touch with me.. Maryalice Jenkins-Herrington