Robert R. Farnam of Pittsford, New York, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, at the age of 85 surrounded by his family.
Born on September 19, 1940, in Pittsford, New York, Robert was the beloved son of Amelia and Alfred Farnam. Throughout his life, Robert was known for his kindness, compassion, and gentle spirit.
Robert owned A.S. Farnam & Son, the landscape, trucking, and snowplowing business he proudly took over from his father. He was a dedicated member of the Pittsford Volunteer Fire Department, faithfully serving his community for 60 years. Robert also served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 129, where he proudly watched his son, Keith, achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
Robert loved working with his hands and found great joy in woodworking, landscaping, and canoeing. Some of his favorite memories were made during the annual canoe trips he shared with “the guys.”
Known by many names throughout his life—Robert, Bob, Bobby, and Chief—the titles he cherished most were Husband, Father, and Grandfather and brother. Robert especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, Grace and Tripp, teaching them the finer points of fishing and how to properly steer a canoe while enjoying summers in the Adirondack Mountains.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Joan; his children, Chrissy, Jennie Kandris (Thomas), and Keith; his grandchildren, Grace and Tripp; his sister, Charlotte; his brother, Al, sister-in-law Elizabeth Way, many cherished nieces and nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Amelia Farnam, and his sister, Caroline Wadhams.
Those who knew Robert will remember his deep love for family, unwavering dedication, and steadfast friendship. His love, wisdom, and presence will be deeply missed and forever treasured.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Pittsford, New York. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 9:30 am at St. Louis Church in Pittsford. Burial will be immediately following at the Pittsford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.
Forever loved, forever remembered.
32 responses to “Farnam, Robert R.”
Such a special, kind and loving man. I always enjoyed our conversations. I know his family and many friends will miss him as my husband, son and I will. Patty, Phil and Jim Robinson
Lovely man, who with Joan and the family made us welcome on our trips to the US.
An unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner and a recipe for stuffing! RIP Bob.
A true Pittsford gem. Robert, you will be missed so much and by so many. Rest in peace Chief.
Joan, how very sorry we are to hear of Bob’s passing. He was such a nice man. Wish we could have seen more of all of you. Give our best to your children as well. Prayers for all of you.
Love,
Karen and Larry
I am deeply sorry for you, Char.
So sorry for your loss. Bob was a great guy and will be missed by many.
Joan, Chrissy, Jen and Keith: We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We had so many good times with Bob and you, Joan, at PFD events. Parades, Christmas Parties, Summer Picnics. They just wouldn’t have been the same without Bob’s little chuckles. Bill and Bob shared a special bond which enhanced the time Bill spent with the Fire Department
Jen, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Wishing you and your family comfort, peace, and strength in the days ahead as you celebrate his life and hold close the many memories you shared. My thoughts are with you and your family.
We cannot express how Deeply we are so sorry for your loss. We have made many great memories with you all, from helping each other out and great memories at camp. Bob will be missed by so many, including us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. RIP Bob
Tim, Barb & Ronnie VanDerwerken
Joan, Chrissy, Jen and Keith: Your are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We have so many good memories with Bob. He was a leader and nothing was impossible. He was most welcoming and you felt at ease around him. He left a lasting impression – it was so good to have met one of life’s gentlemen. May he rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.
Knowledgeable well respected Friend, Neighbor, Mentor,FF Brother he will be missed!
Very sorry to hear .
Bob was a giant of a man in so many ways. His immense loyalty, wonderful generosity, true goodness, and love for people and the out doors (especially Lake Piseco) are attributes among few peers. He was respected and admired by all who knew him.
Peace to his family, Dear God.
The true definition of the word “gentleman”
We are so sad to learn of Bob’s passing. He and his family have always been a part of my Pittsford life. Bob impacted so many who knew him by his quiet but competent nature. We send heartfelt condolences to his whole family. Bob will be long remembered and certainly missed by so many.
Most sincerely,
Lynn and Bob Domras
Joan & family,
So Sorry For Your Loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Joan & Family,
Sending you our thoughts & prayers. Bob was truly one of Pittsford’s finest gentlemen.
The Mendola Family
Joan,
You and Bob were the first people we spoke with when we joined St. Louis. We will always remember him fondly. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Debbie
Chrissy,
My deepest sympathies during this difficult time for you and your entire family.
Andrea & Rudy Dehoyos
Chrissy,
I never got the opportunity to meet your Dad but it’s obvious from any time you spoke about him that you were very close with him, and that love stays alive.
My sincere condolences to you and your family as you go through this painful time.
A great loss to the Pittsford community and a great friend. We will miss him. RIP Bob.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I only met Bob a few times, but he left an indelible impression.
Sorry to read of Bob’s passing. Went to visit Bob and Joan after not seeing Bob for over 30 years. Had many talks about the old and present days Remembered that Bob’s father was my bus driver while at PCS. RIP old friend from class of ’59
Bob meant so much to his family and the Town of Pittsford and anyone who was connected with him. Bob was dedicated to the Boy Scouts PTSA Pittsford Fire Dept his church the family budiness and others. RiP Bob thanks for everything you taught me over the years. Just an haha I did make Bob swear once when I made a wrong turn goung to a mutual aid fire responce.
So sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. He enriched our lives in Pittsford.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Joan and her family.
Bob was a great friend and neighbor to the entire Pittsford Community. well respected firefighte, chier, mentor and contributor to his community.
He will be missed by all who ever had the plesure to meet him.
RIP chief
We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Bob.
Having lived next-door for so many years, we will always remember him as a wonderfully quiet, kind and generous neighbor. His hard work, wisdom and warm presence truly made our neighborhood a better place. With love and deepest sympathy, Bob & Mary Ann Brown.
Joan and your family,
I will miss Bob’s warm greeting when we had meetings at your home. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. He was such a caring , gentle soul.
I have some great memories of Bob and I growing up together in Pittsford