Robert E. Bayer, Jr.

Robert Edwin Bayer, Jr. of Painted Post, NY, died peacefully at home, Sunday, January 16 as last rites were administered. His brave struggle with dementia is over.  He will be remembered for his life of commitment to family, work, and the community. 

He began life in Corning, NY, August 9, 1949, attended Corning area schools, then earned a BS from SUNY Buffalo and an MBA from University of Rochester Simon School of Business.  

Proud to be a third-generation Bayer to work at Corning, Inc. (Corning Glass Works when he started), Bob enjoyed a career in accounting, finance, and HR for Corning Inc. with assignments in various locations in the US and Europe, including a two-year residence in the UK, before retiring in 2003.  He was known for his dedication to his job, his colleagues, and the company; and for his sense of humor that brightened the workplace. 

After retirement he served the community for several years as Director of the Board of Dayspring Apartments and Finance Chairperson and Endowment Advisor for Christ Episcopal Church, Corning. 

Bob was devoted to his parents, Doris June and Robert E. Bayer, Sr. and in-laws, Laura L. and Donald R. Campbell, who pre-deceased him.  Likewise, he was devoted to his family who survive him:  his wife of 36 years, Leslie Campbell Bayer, brother Kris and Judy Bayer, sister Karrin Bayer and Robert Nixon, sisters-in-law Sharon Campbell and Nick Quarrier, Patricia Campbell and Fred Maloney, brothers-in-law Donald and Sandra Campbell, and Ian and Julie Campbell. He was loved as a fun, supportive, and generous uncle to his five nieces, five nephews, and their families.  He also leaves behind several Bayer and Campbell aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

He and Leslie enjoyed nature walks, backyard bird watching, music, and travel throughout the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe.  He was also an avid bowler who found great enjoyment with his league teammates.  But Bob was happiest at Keuka Lake, with family, where he enjoyed boating, water skiing, and sitting at the end of the dock with a cigar watching the sun set. We think of him now, in heaven relaxing with a cigar as the sun sets on his life, entertaining the other saints. 

He wished that those who want to remember him, do so by donating to a favorite charity.  His favorites included Christ Episcopal Church, 33 E. First St., Corning, NY 14830, or, christepiscopalchurch.org and The Finger Lakes Land Trust, 202 E. Court St., Ithaca, NY 14850, or www.fllt.org. 

The family is grateful for the frequent attention of Dr. Thomas Rodgers, of Big Flats Family Medicine, the support of CareFirst, and the friendship and spiritual support of The Very Reverend Troy Preston, Christ Episcopal Church. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held on a later date with interment in Fairview Cemetery, Painted Post. The Acly-Stover Funeral Home was entrusted with his care. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert E. Bayer, Jr., please visit our floral store.