Family and friends will call on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 135 Hamilton St., Penn Yan, from 12-1pm, with the celebration of life service immediately following. Burial will follow at Evergreen cemetery in Dresden. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Masonic Brotherhood Fund, c/o the Seneca Lake Masonic Lodge, PO Box 308, Dresden, NY 14441 or to the Keuka Comfort Care Home, PO Box 107, Penn Yan, NY 14527.
Bob was born in Elmira, NY on November 27, 1965, the son of his predeceased mother Gail N. Wadsworth and Roger K. Wadsworth. Bob grew up enjoying many friends, sailing, and developing his passion for music and playing his guitar. The day he received his first guitar was the day he knew he would never put it down. Bob learned to play through the gift of listening. He could listen to any song and then play it without the need for written music. He amazed many with his ability. His younger years were filled by pulling friends together to play their music in basements, garages, and school. He participated in the high school band program, including the marching band playing the trumpet. When Bob wasn’t enjoying his love for music, he was active in Boy Scouts and received his Eagle Scout award in 1983.
Bob graduated from Horseheads high school in 1984 and maintained many friendships with his classmates over the years. He graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a B.S. degree in business and from Elmira College with a M.A. in education. Following college, Bob reached his goal of teaching. He taught in school districts in Virginia, North Carolina and New York. The open road also enticed Bob, so he pursued a career driving tractor trailers for a few years. Recently Bob enjoyed classes at Finger Lakes Community College studying horticulture. Music was his calling in this world and he enjoyed the past 15 years writing and performing with his favorite guitars.
Bob devoted himself to his father, Roger. They shared time together at the Masonic lodge in Dresden where Bob recently served as the lodge master. They enjoyed dinners out and watching sports. A lifelong love for the New York Mets filled many days and evenings cheering their team. Traveling together was very special for Bob and his father.
Bob is survived by his father, Roger Wadsworth, sister Jennifer (Timothy) Smith, nieces Grace and Eva Smith, nephew Owen Smith, aunt Bonnie (Fred) Welch and several close cousins. Bob was a loved man who touched many people with his laughter, faith, and kind nature. His lifelong dream was to share his music with the world.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.townsendwoodfuneralchapel.com for the Wadsworth family.
