ONEONTA - Robert Paul (D'Urzo) Ross, 74, of Oneonta, passed away peacefully in his home on Jan. 6, 2019, surrounded by his family.

Son of John and Elizabeth (D'Urzo) Ross, Robert was born Jan. 23, 1944, in the homestead on Franklin Mountain. Growing up, he felt the family homestead was on top of the world overlooking the City of the Hills.

Robert was very proud of his Italian heritage with his grandfather, Basilio D'Urzo (Joseph Ross) immigrating from Calabria, Italy, the village of Cerrisi, settling in West Davenport, where he raised a large family.

Robert was very knowledgeable about trains and enjoyed talking to people about the roundhouse and his father, John, who was a D&H hostler for more than 50 years.

In his youth, Robert enjoyed socializing and talking about trucks at the lower deck beer joints. Robert was "old school" and missed the ma and pa grocery stores. He often patronized Daddy Al's and Stewart's for chili and coffee.

Robert married Jean Reed in 1963 and had three children. He was a master mechanic and worked as a heavy equipment operator/truck driver for many years. He worked alongside of his son and grandsons in their family paving business. He also was a valued influence on the construction of the new Polar Bear Homemade Ice Cream & More.

Robert enjoyed working, whether it be baling hay on the family farm or building projects with his grandson, Matthew.

He is survived by his son, Michael R. D'Urzo Ross (Heather); granddaughter, Jessica (Kyle) Buel; grandson Matthew and his daughter, Janette D'Urzo Ross; grandsons, Daniel Korenyik and Joseph (Clara) Korenyik; brothers-in-law, Gerald (Anne) Reed, Roger (Christine) Reed, Steve (Salenda) Murphy, along with nieces, nephews and cousins from Canada, Western New York, Pennsylvania and Italy.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Albert and John; infant daughter, Carol; and wife, Jean.

Robert requested a private family gathering in celebration of his life.

onations may be made to Catskill Area Hospice, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Arrangements were made by Grummons Funeral Home.