Robert E. Owen

Robert E. Owen, 87, of McGraw, NY, passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2018, at his home, while surrounded by his family.

Born in Cortland, NY, on August 20, 1931, Bob was the son of the late Lawrence and Christine Corey Owen.  A lifelong resident of the area, Bob was a 1950 graduate of McGraw Central School.  After high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the McGraw American Legion Post.  He retired from Economy Paving after 45 years of service.  During that time, he also owned and operated the Empire Inn for 20 years.  He was a lifetime member of the McGraw Sportsman’s Club and a member of the McGraw Lion’s Club.  He dearly enjoyed playing golf and was a longtime member of the Knickerbocker Country Club.  He was also an avid bowler and coin collector.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Alberta “Betty” Brown Owen; and his children, Debra (Shawn) Kilburn of York, PA, Diane (Mark) Reif of Cato, Robert Michael Owen of Lansing, John L. (Laurel) Owen of Burlison, TN, and Donna (Michael Natale) Neff of Cortland.  He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, William Owen; and a sister, Barbara Mariano.

A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at the McGraw Community Center, McGraw, NY, on Saturday, October 6, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m..  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bob may be directed to Hospicare and Palliative Services, 11 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland, NY 13045 or the McGraw Lion’s Club, P.O. Box 6, McGraw, NY 13101.