Obituary of Robert John Armitage

Robert J. Armitage Jr., born on January 22, 1929, died January 25, 2017. He was predeceased by his father, Robert Armitage Sr., his mother, Florence Short Armitage and sisters Marilyn Armitage and Ruth Smith. He is survived by his daughters Lauren (Peter) Brault of Burlington, Vermont, Diane Tolentino of Binghamton, and son Kenneth (Doreen Gioia) Armitage, also of Binghamton. His family includes three nephews, eight grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. Bob graduated from Boston Latin School and Colby College, where he was a charter member of the Colby Eight, an all-male octet. Drafted into the Army in 1951, he received his honorable discharge as First Lieutenant in 1954. His employment titles included: Systems Technical Rep., Technical Writer, Systems and Procedures Analyst and Data Processing Manager. Bob's greatest source of pleasure and recreation was classical music. Throughout his adult life he sang bass in church and community choirs and glee clubs. During his last weeks and days he hummed tunes at breakfast as he always had. He sang over the past fifteen years in the choir at Central UMC, the University Chorus, and with the Madrigal Choir of Binghamton. A native of Boston he was a passionate supporter of the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. Grateful for family and friends so faithful during his illness, he wanted to mention, especially, Bianca Podesta, who was his good friend and companion since 1995. A service of Remembrance and Resurrection will be held at Central United Methodist Church, 17 Nanticoke Ave. Endicott, NY on Monday February 6, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost officiating. Calling hours will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Monday prior to the service. Burial with full Military Honors will follow in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. The Armitage family thanks Hospice at home, Central United Methodist Church, and Mercy House. Memorial contributions may be given to Central UMC or Mercy House.