Mr. Robert “Joe” Baumgardner, age 69, of Burdett, N.Y., passed away on Feb. 21, 2024. He lived for over 50 years with a significant traumatic brain injury, which included a seizure disorder. He had a huge seizure and had to be put in a medically induced coma. He did not get better. He was gracious in life and passed away peacefully.
Joe grew up on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. He was a talented and lettered athlete in football, baseball, and basketball at the Onancock High School.
Joe was easygoing and had limitations, but he was always a very kind, compassionate, gentle man who loved his wife, two sons, and his five grandchildren tremendously.
Joe attended the Rainbow Chasers Club in Watkins Glen and was best buddies especially with Steve and John. Despite some limitations, Joe always gave his best efforts and did what he could to make whatever needed to be changed or fixed better. To those of us who appreciate compassionate people, Joe was top of the list. He will be missed by many who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Marie Ely Baumgardner; sons, Robert Jr. (Andrea) Baumgardner, of North Ridgeville, Ohio, and Joel (Rachel) Baumgardner, of Elmira Heights, N.Y.; brothers and sister, Eddie (Flo) Baldwin, of Onancock, and Leroy (Laura) Baumgardner, and Pam (Johnny) Taylor, both of Melfa; and five grandchildren, Nathaniel, Landon, Ellie, Molly, and Avery.
He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Frances Baumgardner; brother, John; and sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Richard Colonna.
A loving memorial service was held at the Hector Presbyterian Church on Feb. 24.
Please consider in lieu of flowers a donation in his memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Hector, 5511 SR-414, Hector, NY 14841.
You may leave a memory or condolence for the family in his obituary at www.RoyceChedzoy.com
The Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home of Watkins Glen is assisting the family.
