Obituary of Robert M. Carrier

Robert M. Carrier           

Robert Milton Carrier, 91 passed away peacefully on November 6, 2024, with his family by his side.  Bob was born on May 4, 1933, in Rome, NY, the oldest child of Chester W. Carrier and Elizabeth M. Carrier.  Bob grew up in Rome and attended Rome schools graduating from Rome Free Academy in 1951.

 Upon graduation Bob attended Clarkson College on an ROTC scholarship where he played division one hockey for the Golden Knights.  Upon graduation in 1955 with a degree in mechanical engineering, Bob served in the US Army stationed in Fort Belvoir, Virginia and Fort Rucker, Alabama.  After receiving an honorable discharge from the US Army, he returned to Rome to work for Revere Copper and Brass.  In 1964 Bob moved his family to Clinton, IL.  In 1969 Bob returned to Rome to work at Bartell Machine, then International Standard and International Wire where he made several trips to China.  He continued to work into his late 80’s on projects with Rod Kent at International Wire.  Bob was also a Registered Professional Engineer.

On February 11, 1956, he married Carole Kelly in St Peter’s Church, Rome, NY.  Together they raised three daughters.  Carole passed away on December 6, 2022.

Bob was a member of many community organizations.  He was a member of Teugega Country Club having served as the Green Chair and President and was a member of the Lake Delta Yacht Club having served as Commodore.  He was the founder and president of the Raven Rock HOA and remained on the board for 20 years.    For several years Bob and Carole wintered in Naples FL, where Bob volunteered for Habitat for Humanity.

Bob was a visionary and an entrepreneur who was dedicated to the Rome community. His passion for living and his unselfish pursuit of solving problems led to some amazing projects.

Bob was instrumental in building the Kennedy Area in the 1960’s.   The project that he was most proud of was his creation of Raven Rock Estates, the first planned unit development in the area.  He created that project as an alternative for his many friends who wanted maintenance free living.  He was one of the first to move in and remained for over 24 years.  Bob was a leader and was willing to help build something or fix something.  He was never afraid of hard work and he had many friendships that he cherished.

Bob was most proud of being an Eagle Scout and his 2007 induction to the Rome Sports Hall of Fame, Bob was an avid golfer, skier and sailor.  All three of his daughters had the opportunity to enjoy one or more of these sports with him throughout his life.  The Crazy 8 bridge group traveled for 25 years and his Fire Exciter ski group planned 24 ski trips.  Bob was also a certified hockey official.

Bob is survived by two daughters, Kimberly Carrier of Rome, NY, Susan Newton (Fred Newton) of Charlestown, RI, son-in-law, Stephen Osgood of Acton, MA.  Also surviving are five grandchildren, R. Chase Osgood (Giliann), Olivia Osgood, R. Quinn Osgood, Emma Newton and Phoebe Newton: and one great grandson, Hunter Osgood.

Bob was predeceased by a daughter, Amy Carrier Osgood, and his brother William (Willie) Carrier. 

Bob’s family would like to thank his special caregivers, Gail Arthur, Kyle Buffa, Cathy Spitzer and Christine Martinez.   These amazing women helped Bob’s family care for him so he could remain in his beloved Raven Rock home, amongst family and friends. Additionally, we are forever grateful for the kindness and compassion Dr. Lwin Win provided while in his care.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Rd, Rome NY 13440.  A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at St. Paul’s Church and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024.  Internment will take place in St Peter's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Bob’s memory may be made to the Rome Sports Hall of Fame, Habitat for Humanity of Collier County Naples, FL, Rome Community Foundation or a charity of one's choice.