Obituary of Robert Lewis MacBlane

Robert Lewis MacBlane, “Bobby” of Elmira N.Y.  passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the age of 83, after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease, heart disease and diabetes. 

Bobby was born on March 4, 1940, in Blossburg P.A.  He was preceded in death by his father and mother Lewis and Mary (Wheeler) MacBlane, son Scott Michael MacBlane, father-in-law and mother-in-law Andrew and Helen (Bubrowski) Mehalick, brother and sister-in-law Larry and Sherry MacBlane, sister-in-law Jean Mehalick, brother-in-law Edward Fleming, niece Sunny English (MacBlane), and nephew Peter Mehalick.

Bobby is survived by his wife and cherished sweetheart, Elaine Mehalick MacBlane.   They had just celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary on April 20, 2023.  He is also survived by his 4 children, Teresa Barton (Kevin), Lorie Brink (Michael), Robert C. MacBlane (Barbara) and Cherie French (John); sister Sharon Fleming; grandchildren, Olivia Hoover, Margaret MacBlane, Michael MacBlane, Michael Andrew Brink, Wyatt French, Elizabeth Barton, Kara Pleasant, Michael Barton, and Megan Barton; brother-in-law Andrew J. Mehalick.   Bobby is also survived by special cousin and best friend Gary Adams and his wife Rose along with many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Bobby graduated from South Side High School in 1959.  He was a star running back on the football team and held school records for over 25 years for most yards in game and most yards in season. Bobby was also awarded Sporting News All-American.  Bobby was a mold maker and later supervisor at the former Thatcher Glass of Elmira.   He also enjoyed his later career as a correctional officer in Elmira and formed many close friendships with co-workers, especially Barry James and his wife Barbara.  Everyone who met Bobby loved him, even the inmates at the facility loved and respected him.  He was kind and compassionate to everyone.    Bobby had many hobbies he enjoyed with family and friends.   He was an avid golfer and member of a golf league at Tomasso’s in Waverly NY.  Bobby enjoyed many cruises with wife Elaine and their friends.  He also enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with his brother Larry.   He loved camping with his family and REALLY loved shopping for camping gear with his kids!  Bobby and his family spent many summers at his favorite camping spot at Bowman Lake State Park in Chenango NY.   Bobby especially loved being a grandfather!  The love he had for his grandchildren was undeniable. He loved them with his whole heart and spoiled them every chance he could.   They will miss his famous homemade popcorn and elaborate hot fudge sundaes.  He taught his oldest grandchild, Olivia, how to drive and patiently took her to ALL her road tests.   He spent a lot of time on Seneca Lake with grandchildren Maggie, Michael MacBlane, and Wyatt.   He loved playing poker with grandson Michael Brink and his school friends.   Bobby was a champion to all his grandchildren, attending their sporting events, school plays, and special events.  He was their biggest fan.

Bobby was an excellent dancer, especially the jitterbug!   He enjoyed polka dancing with his wife Elaine and occasionally accompanied his daughter Lorie to swing dance lessons.  He was everyone’s favorite dance partner. 

As a father Bobby was full of laughter and fun.   The glass was always half full with Bobby and he did not carry grudges.   He had a way of finding humor in all situations and didn’t sweat the small stuff.  He was kind and protective of those he loved.  We all miss him dearly.

Family and friends are invited to Bobby’s Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary Our Mother Church, 816 W. Broad Street, Horseheads NY.  Interment, with committal prayers, will follow at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery.

Those wishing, may remember Bobby with a donation to the Chemung County SPCA, 2435 County Route 352, Elmira NY 14903.