Obituary of Robert French Iszard

Merchant and Civic Leader With sadness, we mourn the passing of Robert F Iszard of Seneca View Skilled Nursing, formerly of Elmira, who died on February 26, 2016 at the age of 96. His wife of 53 years, Dorothy Lackmann Iszard preceded him in death in November 1995. He is survived by a son and two daughters, Robert French Iszard, Jr. (Martha Fassett) of Glenora, NY, Karen Elizabeth Brinton (Buck) of Towson, MD, and Barbara Helen Hislop of Veteran, NY; seven grandchildren, John Fassett Iszard (Candace), Sara French Iszard (Jennifer), Thatcher Pierce Brinton (Melita), Robert French Brinton, Nathaniel Buck Brinton (Katie), Shona Caroline Stephan (Alan), Jonathan Scarf Hislop (Alison Clark); nine great-grandchildren, his two brothers William VanMater Iszard (Phyllis ) and Dr. David McClure Iszard. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Bob was born on August 8, 1919, the son of Harry York Iszard and Helen VanMater Iszard who predeceased him in 1971 and 1991. Bob graduated from Elmira Free Academy and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1941) with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity at RPI. After graduation he worked for Vought-Sikorsky in Stratford, CT. Bob served in World War II as a Naval Pilot achieving the rank of Lt. Commander and continued in the Navy Reserves for numerous years. Bob was President and Chairman of the S. F. Iszard Co. where he worked for 45 years. He was a past President of the National Retail Merchants Association, Elmira Downtown Development, Elmira Country Club, Elmira City Club, and the Arctic League. He sat on the board of Bethany Retirement Home, the Elmira School Board, and Columbia Bank and many other civic organizations in Elmira. Bob was a member of Park Church and the Kiwanis club. His family would like to thank all of the dedicated and remarkable employees of S. F. Iszard Co. who were such a large part of his life. His life was one of success as a family man and businessman. While passionate about flying as a young man, he developed other interests throughout his life; golf, the ocean, and baseball. He was a good man who will be profoundly missed by family and friends. There will be no calling hours. Burial will be at the convenience of his family at Woodlawn Cemetery.