OSWEGO, NY – Robert L. Salisbury, 79, of Fulton, NY, died peacefully at home on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, after a long illness.
Born in Syracuse, NY, Robert was the son of the late Helen and Clyde Salisbury.
He was predeceased by his sister, Beatrice Long.
Robert was a graduate of Solvay High School, received his Bachelors of Science from Ottawa University, Ottawa, Kansas, followed by his Masters from Kansas State University.
Robert is survived by his companion of 28 years, Lorretta Beckwith of Fulton; his sons, Steven (Carla) Salisbury of Minetto, David (Kym) Salisbury of Naples, Florida, Jeffrey (Alana) Salisbury of Rochester, and Timothy (Jeannie) Salisbury of Buffalo; his daughters, Karen (Frank Clavelli) Hogan of Oswego, Susan (Carrie McElroy) Salisbury of Liverpool, Melissa (Aaron) Arduini of Fulton; his step-daughters, Kimberly (Charles) Doty of Olmstedville, Kristine (Rodney) Smith of Oswego; step-son, Eric Barker of Oswego; brother-in-law, Richard (Sally) Long of Hagerstown, Maryland; nine grandsons, seven granddaughters, two great-grandsons, two great-granddaughters, several nieces and nephews.
Robert dedicated many years of service to Boy Scouting, both in youth and as an adult leader.
He sat on the executive boards of the Onondaga Council, Oswego County Council and the Hiawatha Council. He also served as council training chairman, tour leader at Philmont Scout Ranch, and was a dedicated troop leader for Troops 124 and 819.
In 1972, Robert received the Hiawatha Council’s highest honor, the Silver Beaver Award.
Out of college, he started his teaching career as a math and science teacher at Onondaga Central School, followed by teaching at the College of Forestry (ESF).
Robert joined the SUNY Oswego faculty in 1963 as a professor of Biology.
While at SUNY Oswego, he was department chair, spent many summers instructing high school teachers in advanced methods and was key in the institution of the audio-tutorial instruction method.
After 30 years of teaching at SUNY Oswego, Robert retired in 1993.
He was a member of the US Power Squadron, the Oswego Maritime Foundation, the United Way Board, the First Baptist Church of Syracuse, Minetto United Methodist Church and past director of Oswego County Cancer Society.
He enjoyed spending time with this family and friends as well as camping, fishing, boating, skiing, Buffalo Bills and SU sporting events as well as extensive traveling.
Contributions may be made to the Minetto United Methodist Church, Hiawatha Seaway Council or Oswego County Hospice.
Arrangements are in the care of Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, Oswego, NY.
Private burial.
Memorial service will be held at Minetto United Methodist Church on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m.
The church is located at the corner of State Route 48 and County Route 8 (Granby Road).
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