"To the entire Vershay Family: I still recall fondly my memories of growing up with your family. Your Mom and Dad were such wonderful loving people and held a very cherished place in my childhood. Rides in the back of the station wagon, endless glasses of Koolade in the kitchen, and on and on. I rode the bus to Kodak when I started there with your Dad on his way to Gannett downtown. His service to our country was truly amazing. God bless all of you as you start this new chapter without him here on earth, but he will always be with you! Just sorry he didn?t make his birthday milestone?."
In loving memory of
Robert W. Vershay
April 1, 1924 - March 18, 2024
Robert W. Vershay
Robert was called home to the Lord on March 18th at the age of 99.9 to be reunited with his wife of 62 years, Betty.
Born on April 1, 1924, Robert was looking forward to his 100th birthday celebration with his large family and many close friends.
He was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children, Diane (Simone) Picciolo, Donna Bareham, Debra (Bruce) Schmidt & Steven (Maryann) Vershay; grandchildren, Cara Woodard, Nathan Bareham, Stephanie (Jake Williams) Schmidt, Julia (Christopher) Burke, Victoria (James) Devens, Nicole (Matt) Camiolo, Ashley Vershay; many great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.
His high school education was interrupted by WWII when he enlisted in the US Army at the age of 17. He proudly served as an anti-aircraft gunner and radar operator in the Pacific theatre. Robert was a World War II Veteran and served in the US Army, 508 Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division. He served with great pride and dedication. During the war he was assigned to the campaign in the Southern Philippines-Luzon New Guinea. He was awarded the American Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, and Philippines Liberation Ribbon & World War II Victory Medal.
After returning from the war, he married the love of his life, Betty Vershay and together they raised four children in Rochester. He entered the workforce on the GI bill with an apprenticeship at Gannett Newspaper as a typesetter, where he worked for 40 years before retiring.
He loved his family & friends and was a dedicated husband for over 62 years. He was always ready to help anyone in need. He enjoyed volunteering throughout his life at Hope Church. Robert loved to walk the mall and sit in the food court with his friends, play solitaire on the computer and watch old westerns and war movies. He had a multitude of friends, and a ready smile for everyone. His Honor Flight and Soaring Valor trips were truly special events that he cherished.
Robert's greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and friends. It was his pride, his circle of strength. He is forever in our hearts.
Robert's visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 26th at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane, Rochester NY 14626. His funeral service will be celebrated 10:00am on Wednesday, March 27th at Hope Church,1301 Vintage Lane. Immediately following, Robert will be laid to rest in White Haven Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hope Church https://sharethehope.org/give/ (1301 Vintage Lane Rochester, NY 14626) or Honor Flight Rochester https://honorflightrochester.org/donations/ (PO Box 23581 Rochester, NY 14692) in Robert's memory.