Obituary
Robert Henry Pawlings passed away on Friday July 10th, 2020 after more than a year-long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He died in his home with his wife, daughter and close family members by his side.
Bob was born October 15th, 1948 in Utica, NY. He was the son of the late Maxwell & Estelle Pawlings and he attended High School at Utica Free Academy, graduating class of 1967. He continued his Studies at Mohawk Valley Community College before being drafted into the US Army in 1968. Robert entered the army as a Private (PVT E-1) and made rank as Specialist 5th class. After Training at Ft. Monmouth, NJ, he served for over a year in Vietnam as a tactical microwave communication attendant, repairman and supervisor.
While serving in Vietnam, specialist 5th class Pawlings was injured on a military base that underwent direct enemy fire. Bob took cover in a bunker that sustained a direct hit, injuring his lower back. He healed, continued to serve, and was honorably discharged in January of 1970. For the rest of his life, he proudly wore a hat or displayed a D.A.V. (Disabled American Veteran) sticker on his truck.
He is survived by his loving wife Lorry, to whom he was married for 37 years; his daughter Janelle (Orlando); his son Robert J. Pawlings and daughter-in-law Joanna Levine-Pawlings, and their twin sons, Mikah and Jonah (NYC).
Surviving family also includes brother & sister-in-laws William & Sherry Kneaskern (FL); Leslie & Charlie Siegle (PA); Holly & Mike Wentworth (NY); Richard Thompson (NY); and various nieces & nephews.
He is also survived by his two younger brothers, William & Phillip Pawlings of Utica, NY, along with his first wife Marcia Villiere & her husband George (FL), to whom he and his wife Lorry remained close.
Bob worked at several companies throughout his adult life, but eventually worked for Lockheed Martin, for whom he moved his family to Ocala. There, he became a manager of several Lockheed departments and oversaw the production of electrical guidance systems for military use. After settling and working in Ocala, he retired after approximately 20 years with Lockheed.
Bob was an avid lover of the outdoors and outdoor sports, particularly boating, camping and fishing. Although he lived in Florida, he enjoyed making his way back to the Adirondack mountains in upstate NY, where he enjoyed spending time fishing, hiking, camping or just relaxing. He enjoyed spending his leisure time with his family, and he and his wife constantly traveled via their travel trailer, always in search of a new adventure. He loved the Bass Pro Shop, probably more than anyone.
His warmth, sense of humor and ebullient personality made anyone who met Bob befriend him immediately. His laid-back, easy-going manner made him very easy to get along with, and he was always willing to lend a hand to a friend or neighbor. Whether it was fixing a water filter or giving his advice about a good campground, Bob was willing to share whatever he knew in order to help others. He was a rock for his family, and it is with great sorrow that they said goodbye so soon. He was loved by all of his family and friends and will be sincerely missed by anyone that knew him.
* Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, a proper memorial service will be postponed to a later date.
Bob was a good friend and neighbor , enjoyed our frequent chats , always ready to lend a helping hand. We are grateful to have known him, and will miss his smile. Dennis and Karen DeJohn