Obituary of Robert S. Lewis

Elmira: passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 31, 2018, with his daughter and caregiver by his side. Bucky was born in Elmira, son of Ross and Gertrude (Qualey) Lewis. He is predeceased by his loving wife Rosemary Brown Lewis; brother Ross "June" Lewis, Jr.; brother and sister-in-law Gerald and Gladys Lewis; sister-in-law Margaret Brown; brother-in-law William Buckholtz. Bucky is survived by daughter and son-in-law Theresa and Jim Portzer of Savannah GA, with their sons, James Robert and Brett Ryan Portzer; sister Constance Buckholtz of Elmira; sister-in-law Betty Lewis of Horseheads; several nieces and nephews. A year after graduating from Elmira Free Academy in 1954, Bucky served in the United States Army for 3 years. Upon returning to his beloved hometown of Elmira, he began his lifelong career of working in the field of investments. Bucky retired as Executive Vice President of Morgan Stanley, in Elmira, after 40 years as a stock broker. Bucky could often be seen walking to work, no matter the weather, with briefcase in hand. A devout Catholic, he was a lifetime communicant of St. Patrick's Church and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians for 56 years. Bucky loved spending time at Keuka Lake. Summers during his youth were spent at the family's cottage and it was there that he met Rosie, his wife of 46 years. Bucky and Rosie enjoyed traveling to national parks across the United States, but especially enjoyed the beauty of the northeast. Bucky was a proud American, and devoted to his church and family. He would never miss a holiday parade and thoroughly enjoyed a beer and sandwich with friends and family at the many local eateries. Bucky was very quick-witted and always had a joke or story to tell. For years, at the corporate Communion Breakfast, every March, AOH members would look forward to him telling a joke and funny story about a fellow Hibernian. Bucky enjoyed sports and was an avid Bills, Yankees and Syracuse Orangeman fan. Bucky will be greatly missed by many, as he did not know a stranger. He was a gentleman of Elmira, a man of character, and a wonderful friend, uncle, husband, father and grandfather. His family would like to extend a "thank you" to the many compassionate and loving caretakers that were a part of "Team Bucky" for several years. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Friday, September 7, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church. Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Bucky with a donation to one of the following, CareFirst, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post NY 14870-9509; Meals on Wheels, 409 William Street, Elmira NY 14901; The Food Bank of the Southern Tier, 388 Upper Oakwood Avenue, Elmira Heights NY 14903; or Sisters of Mercy, 1437 Blossom Road, Rochester NY 14610-2211.