FAIRPORT – Robert (Bob) Dilger passed away on May 7, 2024, after a courageous fight with cancer, surrounded by his loving family and wife of 67 years. Bob was born on March 26, 1934, in Brockport, NY. Predeceased by his parents Ernest and Freida Dilger and brother Henry (Hank). Survived by his devoted and loving wife and high school sweetheart, Constance (Connie) Fowler: children Arlene Dilger Race, Audrey (WilliamD) Keller: grandchildren Alissa (Andrew) Cogan, Curtis Race, Nik Keller, Victor Keller, great-granddaughter August Cogan (the apple of his eye), sister-in-law Marion, nieces and nephews and many loving friends. 

A graduate of Oswego State College, Bob had a long and successful career as an Industrial Arts teacher at East Irondequoit High School. He chaperoned many field trips, was Class and Ski Club Advisor and was one of the favored teachers by his students. An avid car enthusiast, Bob was always fixing things and even when retired he continued to operate Dilger Services, which kept him busy. He had a standing gathering with his buddies every Saturday afternoon to catch up on the local news and who had fixed, traded, or bought the latest car. He was a member of the Genesse Valley Antique Car Society (GVAC), the Horseless Carriage Club of America and participated in the Great American Race with antique cars for many years. On that race in 1994, he spotted OJ Simpson during the slow-speed Bronco chase in California. Bob had the pleasure of meeting Jay Leno and sharing car stories with him. Any John Deere tractor caught his eye and he collected them in his shop. There have been several references that Bob had also been seen riding an elephant and camel in his lifetime! 

Bob was a devoted civic leader and served as a Deacon and Trustee of the Fairport First Baptist Church for many years. He was awarded the Christian in Action Award from the work he performed on mission trips to the Dominican Republic rebuilding churches damaged by hurricanes and to NYC to volunteer during the 9/11 tragedy.  Bob was a board member of the Fairport Senior Housing Council and enjoyed weekly breakfasts at Durf’s and Riki’s with friends in the Fairport community. 

Bob’s greatest accomplishment was being a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend, all of which he showed daily with his laughter, stories and devoted love and support.  He couldn’t go anywhere without chatting with someone he knew, not even Disney World!

The celebration of Bob’s life will take place at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY 14450):  visitation on Friday, May 17, 4 to 6pm and services Saturday, May 18, 10am.  Interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery (4988 Lake Road N, Brockport, NY 14420) on Monday, May 20, 11am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to the American Cancer Society. 


Comments

20 responses to “Dilger, Robert”

  1. Donna Favitta Avatar
    Donna Favitta

    Dad Dilger was the BEST. I will always be grateful for his love and allowing me to be his ‘third’ daughter. A true example of what a father should be. Love you always, Dad D.

  2. Great guy who helped so many people.

  3. Rick Hill Avatar
    Rick Hill

    Bob was devoted to serving the needs of our seniors in our community. He was a long-time member of the board of directors of Perinton Churches Housing, Inc. which provides affordable senior housing and the Fairport/Perinton Senior Living Council, Inc. which provides care managers and transportation for Perinton Seniors. He was a beloved colleague and will be deeply missed. It was an honor and privilege to know him.

  4. David L Mortillaro EASTRIDGE CLASS OF 1979. Avatar
    David L Mortillaro EASTRIDGE CLASS OF 1979.

    I had Mr Dilger for wood shop class at eastridge , he was a great teacher i loved going to his class. RIP MR DILGER.

  5. Curtis Donalies Avatar
    Curtis Donalies

    Mr Dilger allowed me to attend his auto shop class as an independent study student my senior year at Eastridge. I hade taken auto shop in 10th grade with Mr Contsonas. Both were excellent instructors with different styles. Mr Dilger helped me learn life skills and leadership I still use today when he had me help my peers with lab projects. I learned more about auto mechanics and working with people. I always looked forward to shop classes and Mr Dilger was a great instructor, I am glad to have known him. He definitely made the world a better place.

  6. Heidi Wollschleger Kerwin Avatar
    Heidi Wollschleger Kerwin

    Mr. Dilger was our Class of 1984 Advisor. I also had him for auto shop, and he saved the candy apple red paint for me to paint the hood of our shop car! He will be dearly missed 🥲

  7. Marilyn Lyons-Boden Avatar
    Marilyn Lyons-Boden

    Oh Audrey, my heart goes out to you and your family in this sad time. Marilyn Lyons Boden

  8. Dan Crosby Avatar
    Dan Crosby

    I speak for the Crosby family of EHS when I say that I am sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Dilger.

  9. Dan Mateer Avatar
    Dan Mateer

    Mr. Dilger was my wood shop Teacher. I also worked for him for a few summers at his home shop. I learned a lot from him during that time.
    My Condolences to his Family.

  10. Kathi Kedrowski Avatar
    Kathi Kedrowski

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May he be at peace.

  11. Meghan Bills Avatar
    Meghan Bills

    Bob was one of my favorite customers when I was working at BanD Parts Plus, in Fairport. I have many fond memories of conversations that we had there, some about cars, some about church, or life in general. He was a wealth of information, and he was happy to share it with you, if you were willing to listen. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of the loved ones that will miss him dearly. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know him, and call him my friend. RIP Dilger

  12. Jacquie Sullivan Avatar
    Jacquie Sullivan

    Dilgie (as I fondly called him) was a close friend of my fathers.and repaired our family cars.
    My dearest memory was entering the ski lodge.with my bright yellow jacket. I would find dad and Dilgie sitting at a table, Dilgie would bless me with his awesome smile and scream out Hello Sunshine!!
    Thuis sums him up, always spreading joy and love..
    God bless you Digie! And your family..

  13. Debbie, Sherrie and Marcia Cain Avatar
    Debbie, Sherrie and Marcia Cain

    Mr. Dilger was a long time neighbor of my parents on Harvest Rd and took great care of their cars. After my Dad died he continued to help my Mom out with her car. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  14. Wendy Haylett Avatar
    Wendy Haylett

    Bob Dilger was the best neighbor in the world. He never paused if you needed repair on your John Deere, snowblower, or any other piece of equipment. The best part of all this, there was always time to sit down and talk about everything and anything. He will be missed. _/|\_

  15. Philip Race Avatar
    Philip Race

    Pa Dilger you were a Dad to me. You taught me so much and we shared much happiness and challenges together. We built 2 houses together worked on vehicles and repaired equipment. Oh what great memories. Thanks for being a Dad to me. You will never be forgotten. Love to you and the family. God Bless and RIP The son you never had Phil Race❤️

  16. Kate Gillan Avatar
    Kate Gillan

    Connie and Family, I was sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Bob was a true gentleman with a heartfelt smile and hello. I remember so well running into Bob and Connie in Disney World coming down the steps in Epcot many years ago. He will be missed.

  17. William Keller Avatar
    William Keller

    We have donated 50 dollars to Cancer Research
    Bob was a wonderful man and and may he rest in peace
    Our prayers are with his family 🙏🏻

  18. DAVE MONTANARO Avatar
    DAVE MONTANARO

    Bob was always so helpful and so kind to Myself and my Family over the past 8 – 8-1/2 Years. I met Bob and Mrs. Dilger at the Window & Door Sales counter inside B & L Wholesale Supply Rochester. Little did we know that Day we were down the Street neighbors!

    I am so sorry for the Dilger’s family loss, We will keep all of you in our payers.
    Bob will be missed so much.

    Sincerely,

    Dave Montanaro, Lorianne, & Lillian

  19. Amy (Shone) Stappenbeck Avatar
    Amy (Shone) Stappenbeck

    Mr. Dilger was truly a wonderful person. He and Mrs. Dilger were wonderful friends of my parents. He would take my brothers and I around the block in all the “cool” cars he had next door. He bravely stayed with me when I wanted to ski from the top of Whiteface Mountain. I was 12ish years old and he was at my side cheering me on the whole way down. He also helped all of my cars as they limp through life by fixing everything. He will be missed by many. I am thankful to have such wonderful memories of him. God Bless you Mr. Dilger

  20. Steve Sykes Avatar
    Steve Sykes

    Mr. Dilger was one of my shop teachers at Eastridge High when I graduated in 1967. He was a great teacher. One of the few I remember from my school days. Rest in Peace Mr. Dilger.