Robert Eugene Bob Cox, Sr.

Bob Cox set out on his next journey October 22, 2020. Brilliant, creative and curious, Bob possessed the very essence of a beautiful mind. With his passion for innovation and inherent drive to find solutions to everyday problems, he was the epitome of the IBM slogan “THINK.” Alongside his successful career as an engineer, he invented gadgets and ingenious high-speed and containerized express rail systems, the latter his cherished “Idea,” a lifelong labor of love. And while he could solve a magnitude of mathematical problems, he was also a gifted writer, conjuring the perfect word or phrase with ease.

Robert Eugene Cox, Sr. was born November 24, 1927, in Elmira, NY, to the late Bridget (Moran) and Frank Cox. Spiritual, gentle and kind, young Bob was a perfect fit for study at St. Cecilia’s Catholic School and altar service. Deeply patriotic, Bob joined the Army fresh out of Elmira Free Academy in 1945 and was stationed in the Philippines where he formed countless friendships and treasured memories. After his Military service he went on to excel at university in Chicago and then Rochester Institute of Technology. After graduation he worked for Bendix Corporation until IBM lured him away to Endicott, NY. Although Bob was a modest man, his accomplishments were many, greatly benefiting IBM over a 35-year engineering career and additional years as a consultant.

A devoted and loving father and husband, Bob is survived by Mary, his wife of 69 years, his sons Robert, Jr. (Patricia), Richard (Karen) and Ronald (Karen), daughter Renée Saunders (Barrie), six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Dorothy McInnis and Eleanor Woodward. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Shanin Cox, brother Francis Cox and sister Mary Lou McGarrell.

Bob’s kind heart and generosity will live on through his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he will be forever missed.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be arranged at a later date when friends and family can gather and celebrate Bob’s distinguished and wonderful life.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Bob’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital for research purposes, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org.