
Obituary of Robert Goerlich
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It is with great sadness that the family of Robert John Goerlich announces his passing from this earth into the loving arms of his father and mother, Robert and Shirley Goerlich, on January 24, 2025 at the age of 56. Known by so many as Bobby G, his passing will forever leave a void in the lives of so many.
Bobby was born on July 27, 1968 in Sidney, New York. In his youth he enjoyed playing soccer, golf, basketball, and fishing for red snapper on trips to the Jersey Shore with his grandfather. Bobby attended Greene Central Schools and later Sidney High School, where he graduated in 1986. Bobby went on to college at SUNY Oswego, receiving his Bachelor's of Arts in 1990 with a double-major in Communications and Spanish. While studying at SUNY Oswego Bobby was given the opportunity to further his passion for Spanish, studying abroad at the University of Puerto Rico from 1988-1989 and the Universidad of San Pablo, Madrid Spain the summer of 1990. Continuing his education on a full scholarship, Bobby attended West Virginia University where he received his Master's in Foreign Language and Literatures, graduating top 3 out of 60 graduate assistants in student and peer/mentor evaluations in 1992.
Immediately after finishing graduate school, Bobby decided to follow his dream and became the Assistant Golf Professional at Cortland Country Club. Following major surgery for a serious back injury sustained on the golf course, Bobby went to work for Smith Corona Corporation as a document translator. He then moved on to the sales industry at Suit-Kote Corporation and Highway Rehab. Bobby eventually returned to the golf course industry where he was employed by Maple Hill Golf Club and Genegantslet Golf Course. From there, Bobby worked at various golf courses throughout the Southern Tier, where his last assignment was helping rebuild the course at the Ponds at Dimmock Hill. He had a passion and pride for having the best golf course greens around. An exceptionally talented golfer from a young age, Bobby won many accolades throughout his golfing career, including numerous Club Championships at Maple Hill where he thoroughly enjoyed playing in many member guest golf tournaments. He was never shy of a good time wherever he went and is remembered for his sense of humor and outgoing nature. Bobby felt the most important thing in life was to bring passion to whatever one's field of choice or activity might be and to make the most out of every day. Bobby was a gifted talent in the kitchen where his love of cooking inspired many meals that he prepared with love, garlic and lots of basil. He was a true entertainer at heart.
Bobby was predeceased in life by his grandparents, John O. and Nella V. (Bartow) Boyce of Sidney, NY and Adolf and Mary Goerlich of Union, NJ; parents Robert F. and Shirley A. (Boyce) Goerlich of Sidney, NY; uncle Edward Goerlich of Union, NJ; aunt Carole Goerlich of Union, NJ, and; aunt Karen Goerlich of Henrietta, NY. Bobby is survived by his beloved wife of 18 years, Chontina Goerlich; three of his greatest treasures and best friends, his children Robert Christopher Goerlich, who shares his father's love of golf, Danielle Marie Goerlich, who shares her father's love of basketball, and Braeden Daniel Goerlich, who shares his father's gift of the Spanish language. He also leaves behind two stepdaughters, Teall (Tully) Dugas and Allayna Howard and his favorite four legged dog, Maya, who provided him with companionship over his past fourteen years of long winter layoffs. Bobby is also survived by his brother, Daniel L. Goerlich (Joy), nephews Jonathan and Andrew Goerlich, and niece, Alice Goerlich (Blacksburg, VA); aunt Beverly Pierce (Don) (Sidney, NY); uncles Jon Boyce (Afton, NY), Donald Goerlich (Tavares, FL), and James Goerlich (Julia) (Union, NJ); first cousins Shirley Pierce, Donald Pierce (Barb), Michelle Fuller (Robert), Laurie Boyce, Michael Boyce (Ruth), Mark Boyce, Heidi Heald (Brian), Steven Goerlich, Kimberly Goerlich, Kristen Goerlich, and Caitlin Goerlich.
The family would like to express their deep, heartfelt gratitude to all that have been there for Bobby through his life's journey and provided love and support for his family after his passing. Calling hours and services will be provided by Wright Beard Funeral home 9 Lincoln Ave. Cortland, N.Y. 13045 where friends and family will be received on Saturday February 15, 2025 between the hours of 10:00a.m. and 1:00p.m. with a Catholic service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of one's choice in memory of Bobby Goerlich.
There will be a gathering immediately following at the Homer Legion 63 South Main Street Homer, N.Y. 13077 from 2:00-5:00.
Bobby, to know you was to love you. To be in your presence was a blessing. May you always be with us, protecting us from above as you did on this earth. May you rest in eternal peace, Bobby G."