IN MEMORIAM: Robert J. Shirm, 65;
Pennsylvanian Found Home In County
MILFORD – Robert Joseph Shirm, 65, who worked for MOSA and, more recently, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, passed away unexpectedly Monday evening, All Hallows Eve, Oct. 31, 2016, while communing with nature in the woods near his home.
He was born Oct. 9, 1951, in Williamsport, Pa., a son of the late Ralph and Mary (Roman) Shirm, and was raised and educated in Montoursville.
After graduating from high school, he worked as a security guard and met his future wife, Kathleen Finnegan, near his family’s home. On June 5, 1976, Bob and Kathy were married in Geneva, and spent their first three months together on an extended honeymoon driving cross country in a converted Volkswagen van.
They first settled in California where Bob was employed as nurseryman. Eventually they made their way back to New York State and resided on Eggleston Hill in Milford. In 2007, they moved to their current home on Cold Springs Lane.
While living in Otsego County, Bob worked at MOSA’s Southern Transfer Station and most recently worked in the Hall of Fame’s maintenance department, retiring in 2013.
Bob loved the outdoors, and especially enjoyed long walks in the woods scouting for firewood. Equally, he loved spending time with his family. He also enjoyed just being home and watching football and hockey on TV. Bob was an avid reader – with a special fondness for science fiction novels – and as a fervent supporter and frequent visitor of the Milford Free Library, where he recently became a member of the advisory board.
Bob will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 40 years, Kathy, of Milford; their three children, Ian R. Shirm of Milford, Alison S. Cole and husband Richard of Gilbertsville, and Mackenzie Shirm of Monroe; four grandchildren, Deidre, Indigo and Jasper Cole and Ava Rose Shirm; and one sister, Joann Shirm of Montoursville, Pa.
In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by an infant son, James Allen Shirm, who died in 1991.
Calling hours are 4-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, Cooperstown.
The funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at St. Mary’s’ “Our Lady of the Lake” Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with Father John P. Rosson, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Index.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Milford Free Library, P. O. Box 118, Milford, NY 13807.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
