Obituary, Robert Allan Conklin

Millerton – Robert Allan Conklin, 71, a lifelong resident of Millerton, NY passed away on October 21, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was born on September 8, 1946, the son of the late Martin H. and Lillian (Sigler) Conklin of Millerton, NY. He graduated from Webutuck High School and married his high school sweetheart, Laura Yankowski. Known to most as Bob, he was one of the kindest, most generous friends you could ever have.

Bob was an auto mechanic and owned his own garage (Conklin’s Garage) with his father, Marty in Amenia, NY. After Marty retired, Bob co-owned the business with his brother-in-law Bill McGhee. Bob retired in 2007 and the business still flourishes with many longtime customers and friends.

Bob is survived by his wonderful wife of 51 years, Laura. He is also survived by his daughters Tammy Conklin, of Poughkeepsie, NY and Christine Gillette and her husband, Christopher of Lakeville, CT. Bob adored his two beautiful granddaughters, Zoe Marie and Anna Jean Gillette. They called him Papa and he was their number one fan- attending countless swim practices, meets, championships, soccer games, basketball games, school concerts, and piano recitals. He is also survived by his brother Larry Conklin and his wife Yoshi, of Millerton, his sister Linda Holst-Grubbe of Norfolk, CT, and his sister Liane McGhee and her husband Bill of Millerton, NY. Bob also leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was part of a life-long friendship with the Duncan family of Millerton. The Conklin-Duncan bond now spans four generations.

Bob loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, hunter, and golfer. He was a member of the Millerton Rod and Gun Club and the Undermountain Golf Course in Copake, NY. In 1984 he became an official member of the Rounders of Riga Hunting Camp (established in 1952). Bob spent each deer-hunting season at the camp with close family and friends, sharing hunting adventures and tall tales. He spent many years fishing the Hudson River for striped bass, the Pulaski River for salmon and steelhead, fly-fishing the Housatonic River, and spent most of his retirement years fishing from his boat on Lake Wononscopomuc (Lakeville Lake) in CT. He was proud of his striped bass and golf tournament trophies but he was most proud of his five beautiful blondes- his wife, his two daughters, and his two beloved granddaughters.

Bob loved family, friends, and fun times. Over the years there were many ski trips to Vermont, camping in New Jersey and Rhode Island, visiting relatives in Florida, and several cruises. Bob and Laura hosted annual Christmas parties, Super Bowl parties, and countless barbeques. They shared a special vacation at Disney World with their granddaughters and family. They also enjoyed the yearly vacation at a beach house in Narragansett, RI.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday October 25 from 4-7pm at the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546. Graveside services and burial will take place at Irondale Cemetery in Millerton on Thursday October 26, 2017 at 2:30 pm Rev. Zora Cheatham will officiate. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Grove building on Lakeville Lake from 3-5pm. Memorial donations can be made to the Millerton Fire Company at PO Box 733, Millerton, NY 12546. Bob was always appreciative of the volunteers in our community. To send an online condolence please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com.

Author: Harlem Valley News