Obituary of Robert (Bob) Wade

Robert (Bob) Patrick Wade peacefully passed away on October 24^th, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.  He was 72 years old and fought a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer since 2015.

Son of Robert and Joan Wade, Bob grew up in Canandaigua, New York.  He was the oldest of six children (Richard, James, Stephen, Patrick, and Nancy).  From a very young age, Bob not only enjoyed participating in, but also excelled at many school sports such as basketball, track, and baseball.

Bob attended Arkansas College and enlisted in the United States Army in 1968.  His love for his country and patriotic roots were instilled from a very young age.  He served two tours of duty in DaNang, Vietnam.

In 1971, upon returning from Vietnam, Bob began his career with Key Bank.  He married his wife, Carol (Butters) in July and moved to Clifton Park, New York.  In 1976, Bob and Carol welcomed their first born, Robert Kenneth, and in 1979, their daughter, Christine Lynn.

In 1984, Bob finished in the top 30 of the New York State Amateur.  A few months later, he made a half-court shot to win a car at the Albany Patroons CBA game.

Bob worked for Key Bank for 34 years, starting as a retail collector and retiring in 2005 as Senior Vice President of Consumer Lending.  He thrived in competing in countless New York State and county golf tournaments. 

In this same year, Bob and Carol moved to The Villages, Florida.  He immersed himself in golf, softball, pickleball, and table tennis, forging many new and deep friendships.  Bob loved competing, whether it be Hearts with his brothers, Catch Phrase with his friends, Mexican Train with his grandkids, or the final round of the Club Championship.  Bob’s natural athletic skills brought him two club championships and course records.

During retirement, Bob and Carol found great joy in many excursions with their best friends, Pete and Arline Smith.  A few of Bob’s favorites were Normandy, Prague, and Budapest. 

Bob was a sport fanatic.  Among his favorites were the New York Yankees, the Cleveland Browns, Notre Dame Football, and Syracuse University Orange.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 48+ years, Carol and two children; Bob (Nancy) of Lake Orion, MI, and Christine Borgman (Joe) of Clifton Park, NY.  He is also survived by his siblings; Richard (Mary), Stephen (Kathy), Patrick (Cindy), of Canandaigua, NY, James (Joann), of Boynton Beach, FL, and Nancy Cothern (Jimmy) of Palm Harbor, FL, his sister-in-law, Nancy Heilmann of The Villages, FL, and brother-in-law, David (Mary) Butters of Waddington, NY.  In addition, he is survived by his six treasured grandsons; Nicklas, Hudson, Anderson, and Nathan Wade, and Andrew and Patrick Borgman, and many dear nieces and nephews.

Most importantly, Bob’s greatest pride was in his children and grandchildren.  He excelled in multiple roles as Grandpa, Boppy, and Dad.  Even though he was the biggest brother growing up, he became a kid again whenever he was in the company of his grandchildren.  Whether it be giving them the ‘claw’ right before bedtime, or finding the best hiding place in the house, Grandpa/Boppy had no trouble reverting to the child within.  As much as he liked to play sports, he was in his glory watching his grandsons play their games. We all know that he will now have the best seat in the house watching the boys play hockey and baseball.

*It is important to note that Bob wanted to take part in writing his own obituary.  His children offered to take notes as he shared the highlights of his life, not 24 hours before his passing.

A gathering will be held on Tuesday, November 26^th, 2019 from 10:00-11:00 A.M. with a celebration of life service to follow at 11:00 A.M. at Hiers-Baxley (3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL 32162)  A committal service with military honors will be held the following day, on Wednesday, November 27^th, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at Florida National Cemetery (502 SW 102^nd Ave. Bushnell, FL 33513).

Bob and family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to his phenomenal care team at Florida Cancer Specialists and Cornerstone Hospice.  A special shout-out to Bob’s MVP oncologist, Dr. Maen Hussein, who is unmatched in his compassion, relatability, and expertise.

In lieu of flowers, Bob has asked that you please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Prostate Cancer Foundation.