Obituary of Robert Pass

Robert Lee Pass, aged 94 of Lockport, NY, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 28th, 2022.  He was born on July 20, 1927 in Niagara Falls, NY to the late James and Leona Pass, along with his late siblings James and Margeret Pass.  He is survived by his wife of 71 years Joanne Shreder Pass, who was the love of his life, and his seven children: Bob (Judy) Pass, Rick (Debbie) Pass, Paul (Michele) Pass, Susan (Marc) Carpenter, David (Sharon) Pass, Mary (John) Pavone, and Debbie (Ed) Congelli.  He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, who affectionately called him Papa: Carly, Sean (Kara), Kelly (Jordan), Michaela, Lindsay (Brandon), Jamey (Ashley), Shannon (Joe), Michael (Viviana), Lauren (Andres), David (Laura), Chris (Keri), Eric (Jen), Nicole (Jordan), Jonny (Danielle), Jordyn, and Fidel.  Additionally, he is survived by 23 great-grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as Big Papa and Papa Bob: Charlotte, Wilson, Elliot, Rian, Kellen, Levon, Ziggy, Nola, Vaeda, Lennox, Emese, Seela, Ava, Logan, Adrian, Rhys, Cameron, Maxton, Marleigh, Brooklyn, Fidel Jr, Elisia, and a baby on the way.

In 1945 at the age of 17 he enlisted in the US Navy where he served on the USS Marquette throughout the Pacific Theater.  After being honorably discharged in 1946, he studied at the NYS Institute of Applied Arts & Sciences, earning a degree in building construction, and began working as an engineer for the NY DOT.  In 1956 he started his forty-year career at Frontier Stone, ultimately purchasing the business in 1983 with his partners Chuck Loiacano and Dave Mahar and running it successfully until his retirement in 1996.  He also served as an alderman for the City of Lockport for eight years, a member of the Industrial Development Agency board and multiple civic organizations, and supporter of the Niagara County Highway Association for over 40 years.  In his retirement, Bob and Joanne loved to spend their winters in Ft. Myers, Florida, golfing, fishing and spending time with their close friends.

Bob was the most humble and modest of men, and he was beloved by his family and friends.  Always quick with a story or a joke, he loved to spend time surrounded by his family, and they treasured each moment they spent with him.      

Bob’s incredible life will be celebrated on Friday, May 6 at 10 am at St. John the Baptist Church, 168 Chestnut St, Lockport.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s honor to Oishei Children’s Hospital and the American Heart Association.  Visit pruddenandkandt.com.