OSWEGO, NY – Robert E. Schell, 77, of Oswego Town, died Wednesday April 6, 2016, at Oswego Hospital.
Born in Flushing, NY, he was the son of the late Robert Jr. and Margaret Elizabeth (Schulz) Schell.
Bob worked as a guidance counselor before moving to Oswego in 1967, working as a residential dorm director and in the Student Affairs Office. He then became an associate dean of students while teaching courses in multiple departments.
After retirement in 2005, he continued to consult on many projects at the college.
He was active with the Emeriti Foundation.
A lifelong musician, Bob continued to perform with the SUNY Oswego college orchestra and the Oswego City Summer Band. He also played French horn and trumpet at Faith United Church where he was a devout member.
He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed reading.
He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 50 years, Kay (Haswell) Schell, in 2011.
Surviving are his children, Todd (Kathryn) Schell of Liverpool and Nancy (Phil) Trower, of North Tonawanda, NY; a sister, Margaret (Ray) Watson, of Nevada; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Schell, William Schell, Samuel Fuster and Maxwell Fuster; three step-grandchildren, Matthew, Brooke and Vince Trower.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday at Faith United Church, 12 Mark Fitzgibbons Drive, Oswego.
Spring burial will be in Oswego Town Rural Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held 1-4 p.m. Sunday, at the Nelson Funeral Home, 11 W. Albany St., Oswego.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s memory to the Oswego College Foundation, 215 Sheldon Hall, SUNY Oswego, NY 13126, or online at www.alumni.oswego.edu/givenow
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I took a course my senior year with Bob…what a nice man. I will always remember this class, forty five years ago! The city orchestra cannot help but miss him. A lot of wonderful summer evenings spent with the lovely strains of music as a backdrop to the amazing Oswego sunsets. He often had a peaceful look on his face as he played those wonderful classic tunes!
To Bob’s family, sorry for your loss, because it certainly was that! Hope your memories provide some warmth and peace.
I had known Bob more closely since 2010 while working on various research projects together where he assisted me in data analysis. His collection of Dilbert comics became part of my most conference presentations. We often spent hours together discussing intellectual issues and his interest in music. There was hardly any week that we did not communicate, except alas the week he left this mortal world. I feel I have lost one of my dearest friends and confidants. Bob was a thorough gentleman, a loving husband (he remembered Kay a lot), and a true American – I shall miss him a lot. Dear Todd and the family, I am really sorry for your loss. May God bless his soul !