Robert "Bob" M. MacDonell
1924-2013


Dove

BOLIVAR - Robert "Bob" M. MacDonell, 88, of 172 Wellsville St., passed away Tuesday (June 18, 2013) in the Bath VA Medical Center following a lengthy illness. Bob was born Oct. 23, 1924, in Olean, N.Y. He was the son of Leon and Catherine Williams MacDonell. Bob married Nancy Campbell, who survives, on Nov. 15, 1947, in Bolivar. Bob was a graduate of Bolivar Central School class of 1943 and a Veteran of WWII, serving in the US Army with the 823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion from 1943 to 1946. Bob's outfit was engaged in the European Theater of Operation. He landed on Normandy Beach on June 9, 1944. He was engaged in combat in Central Europe, the Rhineland and The Battle of the Bulge.

Bob worked 14 years for MacDonell Oil Company, which he often described as the "Best Years Of My Life"; He served as the Town of Bolivar Tax Assessor for 25 years, Friendship Town Tax Assessor for 2 years and the Town of Alma Tax Assessor for 11 years. Bob loved to putter and build. "POOR" Nancy had to endure numerous gadgets and gizmos around her house most of her life.

Bob was a 55+ year member of Macedonia Lodge #258 Free & Accepted Masons, a 59+ year member of Kenyon Andrus Post 772 American Legion, a member of the NYS Oil Producers Association and a former member of Bolivar Country Club.

Bob was a loving husband and father. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a brother, Herbert Leon MacDonell of Corning, N.Y.; 2 sons, Scott Campbell MacDonell of Clifton Spring, N.Y., and H. Craig MacDonell of Bolivar, N.Y.; 1 granddaughter, Christa Leigh Socha; 3 grandsons, Robert Todd MacDonell, James David MacDonell and Alyn Robert MacDonell; 8 great-grandsons and 2 great-granddaughters; 1 close friend, but regarded as a son, Bob Dunbar and wife, Nancy; and the daughter he never had, Jacqueline Morrison and husband, Brian.

Bob had a wonderful sense of humor and was a joy to be with. He had great respect for everyone. He will be missed by family and friends, but will live on with love in all our hearts.

There will be no prior visitation. Graveside services with full Military Honors will be held at the Maple Lawn Cemetery, Bolivar, N.Y., at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Robert's name to The Pioneer Oil Museum, Bolivar, NY or to the Veterans Administration.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Schaffner Funeral Home Inc., Bolivar, N.Y.

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