Obituary of Robert J. Gosney

Robert J. "Bob" Gosney passed away on August 4, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his parents, Catherine and Earl Gosney; his brother and "best friend", Jack Gosney. Bob is survived by Sophie, his loving wife of 61 years; children, Mary Cay (Yinon), Julie, Bobby (Michelle Burnett); and grandchildren, Conor Robert and Elyse Sophia Gosney. Also survived by his sisters in law, Jayne Gosney and Sharon Anthony. Uncle Bob loved all of his nieces and nephews: Kevin, Jim, Joanne, Jerry, Karen, Joe, and Jackie Gosney; Ellen, Eileen, Pat, George, Michael and Mark Anthony; Susan, Jeff, Marcy, Terry and Andrea Anthony; Paul, David, Peter, Mary Pat, Dan and Julie Anthony; Russell, Christopher, Mary Joan, Laura, Karen, Susan and Michael Jacobson. Bob was very proud of his Irish heritage. The celebrations on Virgil Street with his family, especially his Sullivan and Sheehan cousins, were among his most treasured memories. After graduating from St. Paul High School, he enlisted with his brother Jack into the United States Marine Corps and served his country from 1950-53, during the Korean War conflict, and received a Purple Heart. Bob returned home and started working at IBM in 1953. Bob and Sophie were married on July 17, 1954. He was an active member of SS Cyril & Methodius parish and community. He was a Bow Tie usher, and served on the parish council. Bob was active with Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) youth groups, taking many students to national conventions and chaperoning group trips. Many of us remember the yearly basketball awards banquets, with speakers and trophies he coordinated. Known as the "Commissioner" of the CYO basketball program his kindness and love were evident for everyone with whom he came into contact. He was an avid sports fan and loved Notre Dame, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the NY Giants. He coached the St. Paul High School basketball team and reminisced often about his championship teams. He loved traveling to Rochester and watching his grandchildren's games. Bob retired from IBM in 1989. In retirement he enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends. He volunteered for Catholic Charities, shopping for the home bound and working part time at the Arena. He lived his faith, loved his family and enjoyed life to its fullest! The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Ramanujan, and the Lourdes Hospice team. During the last few months, a special thank you to Nu, Luann, Erin, Trisha and Jean. A Funeral Mass will be offered at SS Cyril & Methodius Church, Clinton St., Binghamton on Saturday at 9:30am. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main St., Binghamton on Friday from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob's memory to Catholic Charities of Broome County, 232 Main St., Binghamton, NY 13905 or Lourdes Hospital Foundation (Hospice), 169 Riverside Dr., Suite 103, Binghamton, NY 13905.