Robert Andre Morell

Robert Andre Morell, 76, of Sidney, and formerly of Oneonta, passed away Saturday, September 1, 2012 at the A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, Oneonta. He was born July 5, 1936 in Afton, New York the son of the late Frank and Marguerite Morell. Robert proudly served his country in the United States Navy in the Seabees until he was honorably discharged in 1958.

Robert married Alice Tobey in 1960, with whom he had a son David. He remarried Patricia Mazza in 1995 who predeceased him in 2008. Though coming from a small family, his family and close friends were the focus of his energy and he was always there for those who needed him. Robert worked for the D&H Railroad his entire life, primarily in Oneonta as a fabricator until his retirement in 1992.

Robert was very active in the community. He was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader and enjoyed spending time at Henderson Scout Camp. He played the trumpet, built hot rods, shot archery, built model airplanes and trains, coached soccer, roller skated, collected teddy bears, and enjoyed antique cars. Most recently he loved riding around to car shows in his 53' Chevy truck. He collected a variety of items and was known for his organizational inventions for all his collections, and his mechanical aptitude with tools. Those that knew him through all his activities know what a positive and fun outlook he had and encouraged in others.

He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and the Brotherhood of Railroad Carmen.

Robert is survived by his son, David “DJ” and Susan Morell of Oneonta; three grandchildren, Andrew (12), Bradley (10), and Emily (7) all of Oneonta; David’s mother, Alice Morell of Oneonta; sisters-in-law, Paula Morell-Walker of Florida, Ann Tobey of Aurora, and Irene and Ron Zablocki of Afton; nieces, Tabitha and Allison Morell, and Karen and Terry Zablocki; and great nieces, Mary and Laura Richards. He was predeceased by a brother, Frank Morell in 1978.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta. Please feel free to drive your classic car to the calling hours in remembrance.

A service to celebrate the life of Robert Morell will be held on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 11:00 AM in the First United Presbyterian Church (Red Door), 2 Walling Ave, Oneonta with the Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Walton-Leavitt officiating. Following the service a light luncheon will be served in the Social Hall. Burial will be in the Maplewood Cemetery, Mt. Upton at 2:30 PM.

Memorial donations in Robert’s name may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Otschodela Council, PO Box 1356, Oneonta, New York 13820.

To light a candle or send an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.