Robert "Bob" Preston

Robert “Bob” Preston

Age 73 of Hector, NY, passed away unexpectedly on March 7, 2021.

Bob was born on October 22, 1947 in Johnson City, NY, the son of the late Perrion and Janice Preston.  He was a retired lineman for NYSEG.  He was also the founder of Starlite Speedway in Hector, NY.

Bob's greatest joy was his family. He loved to travel and made many trips from his home in Hector to Alaska where he loved to fish. Bob's favorite hobby in recent years was his small dirt race track, Starlite Speedway, in which he spent countless hours, days, and weeks preparing and operating. He enjoyed hunting, tending his cows, and frequenting the local Dandy Mart. He enjoyed reminiscing about extended family and often spoke fondly of his cousins whom he greatly missed. Bob was immensely proud of his sons Jerald and Jonathan, daughter-in-love Valarie, and grandson Nathaniel, for their unwavering, selfless, and dedicated service to our country, for whom he was constantly worried.

In his younger years he enjoyed moments with his son Ron pole vaulting, with whom he competed in the Empire State Games with, attending softball games and track meets for his daughter Rebecca, and loved talking for hours about everything with Cathleen.

He is survived by five children, Cathleen Preston of Reno, NV, Jerald (Lois) Hayward of Lodi, NY, Ronald Preston (Rachel) of Oneida, NY, Rebecca (TR) Wescott of Montrose, PA and Jonathan (Valarie) Preston of Niceville, FL; brother, William (Ella) Preston of Hector, and sister, Patricia Preston (Carl Hubbell) of Trumansburg; and ten grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St, Watkins Glen on Tuesday (March 16) from 4pm-6pm; followed by funeral service at 6:00pm.  His burial will be held at a later date at Riverside Cemetery in Appalachian, NY.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.RoyceChedzoy.com