Obituary of Robert L. Holtby

Robert Laverne Holtby May 28, 1915-November 2, 2015 Robert Laverne Holtby was born on May 28, 1915 in Geneva, NY, the son of John Hutchinson Holtby and Lula Trautman Holtby. He graduated from East High School in Rochester in 1933 and attended Rochester Mechanics Institute, now RIT. On October 26, 1939, Bob married Margaret Estlick at Parsells Presbyterian Church, in Rochester, NY, and together they raised three children. Bob worked as a carpenter for several years, and then took a job at Davis Fetch Companies. Over a period of years, he bought out the other owners and became president of Davis Fetch locations in Rochester, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Cleveland. He retired from the company in April, 1980. Bob served in the National Guard, 121st Cavalry, F Troop, where he was a Supply Sergeant. Bob was a lifetime member of Point Pleasant Fire Department, serving as commissioner for 11 years. He was active in numerous local building organizations, the local contractors association, and several national manufacturers' product committees. He was active in the local Republican party, and was a member of the board of directors for the Monroe County Water Authority for 12 years, serving as chairman for 6 years. Bob's hobbies included woodworking and boats, especially his pride and joy a 46 foot Chris Craft Roamer. Bob was a former member of Durand United Church of Christ, and current member of Irondequoit United Church of Christ. Bob died on November 2, 2015 in Penfield Rochester, NY at the age of 100. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Margaret; his daughter-in-law Nancy; and his grandson Will. Surviving family members include his sons, Todd and his wife Dianne, Jack, and Tex and his wife Nancy; eight grandchildren, Steve and his wife Nancy, Scott, Tonia Borrosch, Dave and his wife Mary, John, Rob and his wife Tracy, Matthew, and Ian; six great grandchildren; and one cousin, Ted McDuffie.