Obituary of Robert Gundlach

WESTFIELD - Robert C. "Bob" Gundlach, age 74, of West Main Street, Westfield went to be with Jesus on Friday, November 14, 2008 at home with his family by his side. Bob was born on December 10, 1933 in Westfield, NY the son of the late Robert and Alice (Lindsley) Gundlach. He married Patricia Gross 1980 at North East, PA. Bob was a Westfield resident most all his life. He attended Mayville School until the 3rd grade when his family moved to Westfield. He attended Westfield Academy, was employed at the Ford Garage as a mechanic and then enlisted in the US Army and served from 1956 until 1958 in California as an Automotive Specialist. Upon returning from active duty, Bob attained his GED and resumed his job at the Ford Garage in Westfield where he continued to work for several more years. In 1961, Bob opened "Bob's Sunoco Service and Garage" and became a well known figure on Main St. in Westfield. Bob ran the station for many years and sold his business in 1983. He then worked for Fire Equipment Sales and Service for several years and then became a truck driver for PST truck lines of Salt Lake City Utah where he logged over 2 million miles and 7 1/2 years of accident free driving all over the US and Canada. He retired in 1996. Bob was inducted into the Million Mile Club and earned many outstanding safety awards. Bob was a member of the Fire Department of Westfield, Hook and Ladder Co. since 1964. He served the Fire Dept. in every capacity from Firefighter, to Line Officer and served the Department as Fire Chief in 1979 and 1980. He was instrumental in the construction of the current Fire Hall on Clinton St. He also had served in the Rescue Squad for over 25 years and had been Squad Captain. Bob was a member and past president of the Chautauqua County Fire Chief's Assoc. and a member and past director of the Westfield Fireman's Exempt Assoc. Bob had other hobbies too. He enjoyed building and flying Radio Controlled Airplanes, was an avid NASCAR fan, collected and restored old Thunderbirds, was a charter member of the Vintage Thunderbird Club of America and was an active member of the Chautauqua Cruisers. He is survived by his wife and the love of his life: Patricia (Gross) Gundlach whom he married on April 18, 1980, his son: Christopher (Laura) Gundlach of Westfield, and his Step son, Ronald "Rusty" (Jill) Hess, Jr. of Westfield, NY, his two granddaughters, Amanda and Andrea Gundlach and his two grandsons, Matthew and Mitchell Hess all of Westfield, NY. Besides his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his three sisters, Vivian Larson, Virginia Whitney and Roberta Breads. Friends may call on Monday from 4-7 PM at the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton Street, Westfield, NY, and are invited to attend the Funeral Services there on Tuesday morning at 11:00 AM. with Pastor Troy, of the Assembly of God of North East officiating. Burial will be in Westfield Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Westfield Firemen's Exempt Assoc., 75 Bourne St., Westfield, NY 14787. Logon to www.masonfuneral.com to send a message of sympathy or to sign a guest page.