Robert Lee Hurlbut, known to many as Bob, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his loving family on January 2, 2026, at the age of 95. He is survived by his sister Lois Wiberly (Tennessee), children Holly Hogrefe (North Carolina), Karen Cook, (Maryland) and Robert Douglass Hurlbut (Fairport, New York), 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Robert was the beloved son of C. LeRoy and Lucile Hurlbut of Delevan, New York. After his mother’s death when he was only six years old, Robert’s father married Isabelle Fewster of Ontario, and they set up residence in Wayland, New York, where his father was the school principal and his stepmother taught business classes. Close with his two doting sisters, Robert excelled in academics and sports. He played basketball and baseball for the Wayland Eagles, ran track, and in 1946 was selected to represent Wayland as a forward on the first team AllStar league. Robert played trumpet in the marching band’s halftime performances, and enjoyed leading roles in such school drama productions as The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, and Girl Shy. As his senior year came to a close, Robert graduated as salutatorian of his class. And it was during these years that Robert formed many close and lasting friendships, two of which were lifetime friends, Guy Bennett and Jimmy Ackerman.
Robert attended Colgate University from 1947-1951 where he played soccer and received his Bachelors of Science Degree in History. Drafted into the Korean War, he served from 1952-1954 and proudly received two bronze and 2 service medals during his time there. Returning from the war Robert worked as an assistant secretary and mortgage officer at the Marine Midland Bank of Rochester from 1951-1978. He then joined the appraising team at Morgan-Stanwix Appraisal Associates where he became the vice president and senior appraiser and where he earned the distinguished CPM, SRA, and SRPA designations. Robert continued his profession into his senior years.
Robert met his future bride at Marine Midland Bank- the “stunning” Sally Gormley Walker- who he married on May 3, 1958. The couple settled in Penfield, where they started their family, and later moved to Fairport, where they resided until Sally’s death in 2024. After the loss of his wife Robert moved to Ashley Woods Senior Life Facility in Penfield, where he was visited daily by his
devoted son Rob, and remained until his passing.
Robert was a faithful member of the Penfield Lions Club and served as their president from 1978-1979. He and Sally were also members of the Genesee Valley Orchestra where Bob sang in the choir and Sally played her cello. It was during this time that they attended a musical tour through parts of Europe, which provided them lasting memories. Yet even in the business of life Robert maintained his connections with Wayland, attending high school reunions and supporting his longtime friend Jimmy Ackerman after the death of his wife.
Robert was an avid historian who enjoyed reading biographies, studying maps, and discussing/debating daily news – always with an historical context. He kept detailed records of Hurlbut-Walker history, and produced a collection of photographs that has been enjoyed by
multiple generations. Robert treasured family vacations to Cape Cod and attending family get-togethers, where his well-loved sense of humor was enjoyed by all. In his later years, he spent time watching televised sports, catching up with his children, and sneaking treats to his beloved pomapoo “Bloochie”.
Robert is loved and deeply missed by his sister, children, and grandchildren, whose families are listed below. Bob, may you rest in peace.
Holly’s children – son Nick Hogrefe (Hannah) and grandchildren Theodora and River; daughter Heather Keffala-Gerhard (Will) and grandchildren Oliver Yeager, Charley and Carmen Keffala-Gerhard.
Robert’s daughter – Isidora Hurlbut
Karen’s children – stepson Robert Jr. and grandson Robert Jr. Cook; stepson Michael Cook (Leah) and granddaughter Temperance; step daughter Marica Sweeney (Bryan) and granddaughters Emmalyn, Lillianna, Scarlett and Madeline; son James Cook, daughter Etta Cook, daughter Hannah Cook, son Jonathan Cook, daughter Abigail Cook, son Josiah Cook, and daughter Emma Cook.
Services will be held as follows:
Friday, June 19, 2026 – Burial at the Wayland Village Cemetery (time TBA) followed by a luncheon and tour at the Wayland Historical Society Museum in Wayland, New York.
Saturday, June 20, 2026 – Visitation from 12:00 – 2:00 followed by a 2:00 service, both held at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road in Fairport, New York.
