Obituary of Robert C. Haskell

Baldwinsville - Robert C. Haskell, better known as Bob, died, with family by his side on Friday, October 23, 2020. The son of Elmer Haskell and Marion Barnes, Bob was born in Batavia, NY, on April 5, 1929. Bob moved to Groton, NY, at a young age and graduated from Groton Central School where he first became involved in his future career of journalism. During his senior year, he was elected the school's governor, president of the Student Council and vice-president of the Honor Society. He also served as editor-in-chief of The Retrospect, the school yearbook. Robert was elected class vice-president during his junior and senior years. As a freshman, he helped found Gamma Nu Sigma, which published the school newspaper. Bob served as manager of the basketball, baseball and soccer teams during his high school days. He was chosen as an alternate to the American Legion Boys' State. Bob worked part-time as a "printer's devil" after school hours and on Saturdays at the Journal & Courier weekly newspaper in Groton. Robert went on to study at Syracuse University. He had earned enough money working at the Journal & Courier to be able to pay the tuition for his first semester by himself, something he was always proud of. Robert washed dishes and waited on tables at the Iota Alpha Phi sorority house to earn his meals during his four years at the university. Robert also worked for the Smith-Corona typewriter manufacturing plant in Groton during the summers. He graduated with a dual major in journalism and political science. Over the years Robert was the editor for the Groton Journal & Courier; the Waverly Sun; The Baldwinsville Messenger, the Homer Independent and the Rochester Times Union. He retired, as chief copy editor, after working for 40 years for the Syracuse Herald-Journal and the Herald-American. Robert had a wonderful 66 years with his wife, Marjorie Nancy Haskell, prior to her death in September 2019. Over their time together, they traveled to all 50 states and got the opportunity to visit England, Wales and Scotland, something they thought they'd never do. Bob was a member of the Baldwinsville Kiwanis Club and served on the Village of Baldwinsville Planning Board. He served as president of the Baldwinsville Chapter, American Field Service. He also served as a trustee of the Riverview Cemetery Association of Baldwinsville. He was a lifetime member of the Syracuse Press Club. Bob was a member of the First Universalist Church in Central Square, where he served as vice president, president, newsletter editor as well as the leader of a video discussion group. Bob moved from Baldwinsville to the Hearth at Greenpoint in Liverpool three years ago. He always said how lucky he was to be living there. Robert was predeceased by his siblings, Evelyn Lavoie, Edwina Thomas, and William Haskell. He is survived by his children, Robert (Melanie), Zionsville, IN; David (Linda Ryan), Baldwinsville; Kathy Patenaude (Dennis), Halfmoon, NY; and Joan, Anchorage, AK as well as his grandchildren, Tim Haskell, Ian Wright, Daniel Wright and Benjamin Wright. Due to current COVID restrictions, a celebration of Robert's life will be held at a later time. Donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation - https://www.kidney.org/donation