Robert M. Brinkerhoff

Boonville- Robert M. Brinkerhoff, 66, of State Rt. 12, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023, while surrounded by his loving family, at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, in Utica.

Robert was born in Constableville, on September 9, 1957, a son of Eri W. and Luella Weiler Brinkerhoff. His entire life was lived in the Boonville area, where he graduated from Adirondack High School, with the Class of 1975. While in high school, Robert attended the Howard G. Sackett BOCES Center, Glenfield, majoring in Auto Body Technology.

Mr. Brinkerhoff enjoyed a lifelong career in the auto body repair and fabrication business. He was first employed at Bus Industries of Rome, followed by many years at Johnston’s Auto Body of Utica, before his last employment with Lee Pontiac & Buick, of Boonville. Robert absolutely loved his long career in auto body repair, where he always went the extra mile for his customers. He will be fondly remembered for his generosity and excellent work at auto restoration. Bob received much joy, satisfaction and good humor from interaction with his customers; after retiring from Lee’s, he enjoyed spending time with friends and family around his fire pit, where he was affectionately known as “Backyard Bob.”

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, Boonville, the Sons of the American Legion, Boonville and the Boonville Lodge of Elks, # 2158. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his loved ones and summertime excursions to Hawkinsville to swim at the dam and other area swimming locations and also fishing.

At one time, Robert was married to Darlene Lallier and in addition to his auto body career, his other great joy in life was from his family. He dearly loved spending time with his son, Doug and grandson, Joseph.

In addition to his son and daughter in law, Douglas R. (Karin) Brinkerhoff, Remsen and beloved grandson, Joseph, Robert is survived by four brothers and two sisters in law, Phillip (Barbara) Rome, Richard, Collegeville, PA, Bert (Lisa) Syracuse, Eri, Jr. Sterling, VA; two sisters and brothers in law, Gail Marie (William) Smolinsky, Deerfield and Karen (Kirk) Balash, Boonville and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Eri and Luella, he was predeceased by two brothers, Ted and Kip.

Robert’s family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation and thank you for the Intensive Care Unit staff for the excellent care which they gave to Rob. You were all angels of love and compassion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Church, Boonville, where Rev. Matthew Rawson, pastor will officiate. Interment will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery, Town of Leyden. Calling hours are Monday 4-7 P.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. Memorial contributions may be made to Boonville Fire Company Ambulance Fund, PO Box 164, Boonville, NY 13309