Robert J. Lawton

Robert J. Lawton, 82, of Berkshire passed peacefully at his home on Nov. 30, 2010 following a brief illness.Bob was born on January 9, 1928 in Endicott, a son of the late John L. and Katherine (Holland) Lawton. He was also predeceased by his two sons, John R. and Stephen M. Lawton and his grandson, David Lawton. He is survived by his loving wife of of more than 60 years, M. Joyce (Haines) Lawton, his daughter and son-in-law, Lori and David Vogel, his grandchildren, Chief Petty Officer Michael J. ONeil, and his wife Rebecca, Gary, Misty, and Michael Lawton, his sister, Bette Sherwood, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Bob is also survived by many good friends among them, his good friend Anne Reade. Bob was a graduate of Union Endicott High School and a veteran of the US Navy serving on the USS SIERRA and the USS CASCADE. He retired from IBM Owego following 31 years of service and was a member of The Quarter Century Club. Following retirement, Bob was employed by the Newark Valley Central School System as mailman a position he thoroughly enjoyed. He was also a devoted member of the Berkshire United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities. Other memberships included Glen F Warner VFW Post 1371 (member of the Ritual Team Honor Guard), Centennial Engine and Hose Co. of Endicott, and the USS Sierra AD 18 Veterans Assoc. He took great pride in his landscaped lawn and flower gardens. A Funeral Service and Celebration of Bobs life will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, Dec. 4th at the MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley. Rev. Viki Snedaker and Rev. Jackson Cox will officiate. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded. His family will receive friends Friday from 7-9 PM at the MacPherson Funeral Home. Friends wishing to Remember Bob with a memorial contribution are asked to kindly consider directing memorials to Stray Haven, 194 Shepherd Rd. Waverly, NY, 14892. Memories and condolences to the family may be shared by visiting our website www.macphersonfuneralhome.com