Red Hook – Robert W. Totman, 90, of Red Hook, NY, died Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at the Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, NY.
Born on January 14th, 1926, in Benton, NY, he was the son of the late Sylvester and Eleanor (Swarthout) Totman. Robert married Shirley Peck on Aug. 8, 1950 in Phelps, NY and Shirley predeceased him after 60 years of marriage on March 22, 2011.
He served in the United States Navy, after which he attended Cornell University, where he earned a B.S. in Agricultural Education. He went on to teach Vocational Agriculture in Victor, NY, and was very active in the Future Farmers of America. He was awarded an Honorary American Farmer degree for his contributions just before his retirement.
A Red Hook resident for many years, the Totmans lived in the area from 1955-1978 and he worked as General Manager of the Farm Credit Co-op in Pine Plains and Hudson, NY. From 1978 to 1988 he lived in East Longmeadow, MA, and worked throughout the northeastern states for Pioneer Farm Credit Banks of Springfield, MA. His vision of providing financial services to the farming community has grown into a national program administered by Pioneer Farm Credit. Following his retirement in 1988 he moved back to Red Hook.
Robert was a longtime member of St. John’s Reformed Church in Upper Red Hook, NY, serving on the Consistory, working on the Finance Committee and singing in the choir with his wife Shirley.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Steven & Kathy Totman of Marcellus, NY, Donald & Rebecca Totman of Millerton, NY, Richard & Barbara Totman of Rhinebeck, NY, and Linda & Tom Lemanski of Port Washington, WA; a brother, Floyd Totman of Rock Hill, SC; his sisters, Trudy Durand of Sarasota, FL & Florence Chaintreuil of Fairport, NY; ten grandchildren, & sixteen great grandchildren, along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of the family that he and Shirley raised.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at St. John’s Reformed Church, Red Hook, NY. The Rev. Eric Titus will officiate. Interment will be in St. John’s Reformed Church Cemetery, Red Hook.
Memorial donations may be made in Robert’s memory to the St. John’s Reformed Church, 126 Old Post Rd, North, Red Hook, NY, 12571.
