Robert F Pflanz, Sr, 85, of Kirkwood passed away June 9, 2021 in the compassionate care of his wife Sandra Lunn-Pflanz. Bob as he was known to his friends and family, lived life his way never missing an opportunity to enjoy the dance. He is predeceased by his parents Velva and Elmer Pflanz Sr, his brother Elmer Jr. and Kathryn Pflanz, his love of over 50 years and his daughter in law Dawn (Williams) Pflanz. Bob is survived by his end of life companion and wife Sandra Lunn Pflanz. His two sisters Mary Jane Kohlbrenner and Margaret(Peggy) Jones and her husband. His five children and their families. Robert Pflanz, Jr ( Fiancé Sue) and son Anthony. Michael and Debra Pflanz with their children Miles, Noelle and Katie and her husband . Bonnie and George Newberry with their children Crystal, Joshua and Theresa with her husband, Richard and Robin Pflanz and his youngest Donna Pflanz-May her husband Joe and their two girls, Dakota and Demi. He will be missed by his children, grandchildren and his 10 great grandchildren who knew him as Santa
As a young boy one of Bob’s first jobs was a bowling pin setter in Utica where his love of bowling first began. A life long love, his bowling high lights included annual trips to the ABC bowling tournament with friends and family. It wasn’t about the score but about the adventure of the trip. It wasn’t until much later in life he finally had that perfect game witnessed by his sons who inherited his love of the game. He was a Big fan when it came to his kids and granddaughters who were all accomplished in their own career. The pinnacle of Bob’s bowling career was in May 2011 when he was inducted into the Sourthern Tier Bowling Hall of Fame. His induction was witnessed and celebrated by the whole family. Bowling nights won’t be the same without Bob hanging out at the allies chatting with friends and the boys.
His love of dance was shared with Katie. They were active members of Shirts & Skirts. In the earlier years it was a family affair. As a matter of fact it’s how oldest son Bobby met his wife Dawn. Over the years, not only did they dance locally but when traveling always took dancing clothes never wanting to miss an opportunity to kick up their heels where ever they landed.
Many knew Bob as the “Candy Man”. He was a regular at JimMays Flea Market setting up as a vendor. He always had a wide range of merchandise but for most fabulous that selection of candy. Always the kids’ most favorite item, ask them about hiding candy wrappers when sneaking into Grandpa’s candy stash.
Bob made sure that every summer the family had a vacation somewhere from Canada to Florida. These vacations were shared with life time friends Pat and Dave Boring and Bill and Bev Muir. When they couldn’t make a road trip, he took the family to the Chenango Valley State Park giving them a vacation while he went to work saving up vacation time for those longer trips.
He was big on Birthdays. A family birthday was never complete until Dad called to sing to you. Never wanting his own to be forgotten made it a hobby to remind us of his special day!
The Pflanz house always had an open door policy for all the neighborhood kids. If the kids weren’t at the house they could be found playing games in the Post’s side yard. There are so many memories of gatherings and fun times. The regulars included Moriartys, Posts, Henrys, Marshmans, Wheelocks, Parillos and Finchs.
Most people are considered fortunate to share a full life with one person. Bob was given a second chance at the dance when he met Sandee. While they didn’t have a lifetime, they had the gift of five years. Together they were snowbirds in Florida escaping NY winters. When most folks would just start taking it easy Bob and Sandee volunteered locally with senior organizations both in Binghamton and Florida. He was truly a man on the move.
The family will receive family and friends this Saturday, June 19 at Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home 737 Chenango St. Port Dickinson, NY. 13901 from 9-11 followed by a short memorial service at 11. In lieu of flowers the family asks you to consider making a donation to Broome County Chow or your local food pantry.
Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
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