Obituary of Robert D Nellist

Robert Donald Nellist, of Brockport NY, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2020 at the age of 96 after a short hospital stay. Bob was born to the late Donald and Esther (Bloomfield) Nellist on February 11, 1924 in Barker NY, the oldest of two boys. He cherished his memories of growing up on the family farm and often reminisced about it. During WWII, Bob was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1944. He served in Europe as a Radio Operator with the 563rd Signal Air Warning Battalion, achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant. After the war, Bob completed a correspondence course in electronics that led to a 30-year career as a repair technician for Sears, Roebuck and Co. In 1955, he married Betty Rachow and they settled in the village of Barker, where they raised two children and were members of County Line and Faith United Methodist churches. Moving to Brockport in 1986 provided the opportunity to be near family in their retirement years. Bob was able to pursue hobbies and interests in photography, woodworking, computer programming, country music, and faithfully followed the Buffalo Bills. Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years Betty, brother Richard (late Shirley) Nellist, daughter Diane (Keith) Woodbridge, son Randy (Carla) Nellist, grandchildren Andrew (Kristy) Woodbridge, Joshua (Anat) Nellist, Kimberly (Derek) Ortiz, Emily (Caleb) Mabry, Adam Nellist, 6 great-grandchildren, a niece and nephew. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Flight. Services will be held privately and at the convenience of the family.