Robert Sterrett Obituary

Robert McCurdy Sterrett II

December 23, 1931 - June 10, 2022

Predeceased by his parents, Evelyn Spahr Sterrett and J. Roland Sterrett, and his first wife, Dallas Woodworth Sterrett, he is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Fowler Sterrett; and children Raymond (Rick) Sterrett (Karen), Deborah Schiller and Darcy Conlin (Conrad). Also surviving him are his grandchildren, Ben Sterrett, Will Sterrett, Emma Sterrett, Nori Schiller, Collin Schiller, Chet Conlin and Caylee Conlin.

Born in Prescott, Ariz., Bob grew up on a working farm in Brockway, and later attended Pennsylvania State University where he joined the PA National Guard. His unit was called up and he served 37 months in the US Army in the 28th and 45th Infantry Divisions in Korea where he saw combat. Upon finishing his tour of duty, he graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Physics/General Science and served as Captain of the MIT Pistol Team. He met his wife, Dallas, while studying at MIT and they moved to Rochester, NY, in 1957 where Bob started his career at Eastman Kodak. He subsequently earned his Masters Degree in Optics at the U of Rochester, and eventually retired from Kodak as its Director of Graphic Imaging Systems. An avid photographer since childhood (developing his own film in the farm's root cellar), he was delighted to be able to combine his lifelong hobby with his professional interest in improving Kodak's specialized photographic paper products.

A man of great integrity and kindness, Bob had many interests which led him to become a respected Church Elder at Brick Presbyterian and Third Presbyterian Churches, Irondequoit School Board member, and non-profit director, as well as an accomplished musician, custom woodworker, silkscreen artist, skier and tennis player. He played the euphonium and trombone in the Eastman School's New Horizons, Penfield Pops, Irondequoit, Vineyard Haven (Mass.) and Naples (Fla.) Concert Bands and sang in his church choir until he was 88. Most recently, at age 90, he joined the Rochester Yacht Club, intent on learning how to sail this summer. He had a deep faith and strong work ethic that he passed on to his family while leading by example. He was a fine gentleman who listened patiently, helped others unreservedly and enhanced the lives of those who knew him. He is irreplaceable in our minds and hearts.

A Memorial Service to honor Bob and commend his soul to God will be held at Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs Street in Rochester, NY, 14607 on July 16, 2022 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Third Presbyterian Church or The Susan B. Anthony Museum and House, 17 Madison Street, Rochester, NY, 14608. To share a memory of Bob or send a condolence to the family visit www.anthonychapels.com.

"May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace."