OBITUARY

Robert Trainor Sloss III

February 26, 1958 – April 13, 2019

Robert Trainor Sloss III, 61, of Franklin, died on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at AO Fox Hospital in Oneonta.

He was born on February 26, 1958 at Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington, NJ, the son of Robert Trainor Sloss Jr. and Helen Hazel (Emery) Sloss.

Bob grew up in Pattenburg, NJ, and graduated from Union Township Elementary School in Jutland, NJ. He then went on to attend North Hunterdon Regional High school where he excelled in track and field, running in the Penn Relays. He then graduated from the University of Connecticut, where he continued those achievements, participating in the NCAA men’s cross-county championship. Always an avid long distance runner, he ran in the Boston and Philadelphia marathons and won his age group in NYC’s Fifth Avenue Mile race.

He married Nicole Wise and lived in North Stamford, Connecticut, where they enjoyed life, with the fun of their four young children. Bob had a very successful 30 year career at several Wall Street firms, including Dean Witter and Morgan Stanley, where he became a Managing Director. He survived both bombings of the World Trade Center. One of the heroes of 9/11, Bob played a pivotal role in evacuating 3000 employees of Morgan Stanley on that fateful day.

After leaving the financial world, he started afresh, moving with his new wife, Katharine, to Delaware County. There, he worked with his father in law, raising and showing Holstein heifers. Bob always moved with ease between city and county life, from designer suits to coveralls. He loved his rural life in Franklin.

He was an accomplished musician and songwriter. His sense of humor and sharp wit were legendary. Bob was a most caring and thoughtful man. He was a valued volunteer at Bright Hill Literary Society in Treadwell. He loved to read, talk politics and he was an avid sports fan. A beloved uncle to his nieces and nephews, he enjoyed cheering them on in their sporting events. Bob loved to cook and was a master griller. All his life, he was drawn to the ocean and loved spending time on Martha’s Vineyard and the Rhode Island coast. He adored his wife. He deeply loved his children and his stepson, was so proud of their many accomplishments, and was thrilled and excited about his new grandchildren.

Bob was so loved and will be missed by so many.

He is survived by his wife, Katharine Curtis Morgan of Franklin; a sister, Mary Sloss Van Horn, (Raymond Van Horn) of Ringoes, NJ; his first wife and mother of his children, Nicole Wise of New Haven , CT; his children, Ian Wise Sloss (Beth Golub) of NYC, Devin Sloss Shanahan (Michael Shanahan) of NYC, Bradley Wise Sloss of Norwalk, CT; and Holly Wise Sloss of New Haven, CT; his grandchildren, Levi Golub Sloss and Lionel Henry Shanahan; and a stepson, Henry Morgan Medina of Albany.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, April 26, 2019 from 11-12 pm at the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, 425 Main Street, Franklin, NY 13775, where a memorial service will take place at 12 pm with Rev. Steve Fournier officiating.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Bright Hill Press and Literary Center of the Catskills, Treadwell. https://brighthillpress.org/donations/paypal-donations-button/

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting www.bennettfh.com.

Arrangements are by the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, Franklin.

SEND FLOWERS Add a
Memory Receive
Notifications

Services

  • Calling Hours

    Friday, April 26, 2019

  • Memorial Service

    Friday, April 26, 2019

Receive
Notifications Show Your
Support

Memories

Robert Trainor Sloss III

have a memory or condolence to add?

ADD A MEMORY
Jeffrey Kicia

January 12, 2020

Bob T. Sloss was a teammate of mine for one year @ NHRHS. I can recall how tough and competitive he was as an athlete. I was appalled to learn of his Death by a fellow classmate recently. I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing, even though I did not know him well. Please rest in peace Bob as you were always respected as a person and athlete. ***(Former Professional & World Class Athlete)*** Jeffrey J.Kicia

Randy Greathouse

April 27, 2019

I am saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. An incredible person to know and share time with. I love him like a brother. I have strong memories of grueling track workouts with Bob in high school. He would have us doubled over in laughter in between the endless intervals. He will live on in all who have know him. Rest In Peace.

Patrick O'Neil

April 26, 2019

I was devastated to learn of Bob's passing. We were the closest of friends in college where were teammates on the UConn cross-country and track teams and roommates in the Carriage House apartments, unit 3-D. Our friendship endured long after were left there; not sure how 3-D has lasted this long given the fun we had there.

We celebrated each other's weddings after college. Throughout, all we did is laugh at each others jokes, and our own. Pretty much we just laughed together. All the time.

I called Bob on his birthday in 1993, the day of the first attack on lower Manhattan, finally relieved when he returned and I heard his voice.

In recent years we caught up via phone and filled each other in. He was the same cheerful, funny guy I had met more than 40 years earlier as a freshman in college.

In 2018, he was surprised when I called him again to wish a happy birthday and we caught up some more. I still have his most recent messages on my telephone, and for that I am most grateful.

I will miss Bob terribly, and my condolences are extended to his entire family and all those who knew and loved him as a friend and family member.

Pat O'Neil, Chester, Conn.

Paul Carter

April 26, 2019

To Bob (and Katharine), you were a wonderful part of my Friday mornings for several years. I wish you the best, and I feel that my life was made to be better knowing you. Katharine, God bless you and I wish you the best--please reach out if you want to come be with us! We're here, and we believe plenty of good stuff from you both is too.

Nick Kelsh

April 25, 2019

Bob is the guy who planted the seed of love for baseball with my boys, Alexander and Teddy. He said that catcher was the coolest position on the field. The catcher is in on every play, he said.

Teddy played a wonderful game as catcher most of the game tonight. There were a couple plays at home plate and a couple of throw outs on the bases that Bob would have been so proud of.

I though about his all through the game. Teddy says he wants to be a shortstop or pitcher, but deep inside I think he’s all catcher.

Here’s something I will always be thankful for. Alexander made Bob a baseball bat in the wood shop at school and gave it to Bob. He engraved “The Sloss Slugger” in the bat and a replica of Bob’s signature. Bob let Alexander know a few weeks ago that he thought it was probably the most thoughtful gift anyone had ever give him. (By coincidence, Bob also gave Alexander a bat for Christmas. )

I photographed the wedding when he married Anne's sister, Katharine. They lived in farm country and owned a very small herd of cows. At the wedding, Bob and the bride had to take a break from the reception and go feed the livestock. The photographer followed him to the barn.

Here are a couple of things I’ll always regret. I was never in the room when Bob told the long version of his World Trade Center experience. He was actually willing to share it. I was just never there.

Also I don’t think there’s a photo of me and Bob together, just the two of us.

Tim Kane

April 25, 2019

I am so sorry to hear about Bob. He was a great teammate and close friend while on the cross country team at the University of Connecticut. Even after all this time, my memory of him and the closeness of our team is indelible. I lost touch with Bob many years ago, but that bond I shared with Bob and all the guys on those teams is fresh and remains strong in my life. I will miss him and the thought of those carefree times. My condolences to all of Bob's family.

David Drewes

April 23, 2019

I first remember Bob from elementary school basketball when we played against Union. It was great to meet up with him again at NHRHS. A gentle soul with an extraordinary wit. Too young to go, was hoping to see him at our next reunion. May you rest well, my friend!

Bob Becker

April 23, 2019

Slossie, the wittiest guy I ever knew. A great friend. A lot of memories to cherish of all the good times we had together. I will see you Friday my friend.

Robert O'Rourke

April 23, 2019

I have fond memories of Bobby as an athlete and a thoughtful and funny young man. I remember him as the most reliable leadoff man on any relay. He brought joy and laughter to our team on a daily basis. I am very sad to hear of his passing. Rest in peace, young man.

Gary Herrigel

April 23, 2019

Bob was a very old friend who I loved dearly. I am devastated by the news of his passing. We spoke a number of times in the last couple of years and he was in great form--honest, insightful, hilarious. He was a genuinely good person who felt things very deeply and without fear. I admired him and looked up to him. I will miss him enormously

FROM THE FAMILY

A thought to hold on to

A funeral service filled with compassion and detail brings comfort and healing to family and friends. Planning ahead gives peace of mind to those closest to you. We’re here for you and your family when you’re ready to think about pre-planning final arrangements.

LEARN MORE