Obituary of Robert V. Ockenden

PENFIELD - December13, 2023 at age 91 years. Bob is predeceased byhis parents, Frank E.and Irene Ockenden;wife, Grace D’AgostinoOckenden, and wife,
Trudy Mack Ockenden; brother, F. Eugene (Elizabeth) Ockenden. He is survived by his children,Mary Ockenden (ArthurAlvut), James (Mona) Ockenden, Nancy Ockenden Ragus, Robert (Colleen) Ockenden; nephews, Larry (Gail) Ockenden, Greg Ockenden (Kim Freeman), Anthony D’Agostino, John (Mindy) D’Agostino and his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, Jessica (Stanley) Germain, Stephanie Ockenden, Leanne Ockenden, Mary Ragus, Ellen Ragus, John Ragus, Rob (Lexi) Ockenden, Ryan Ockenden, Megan Ockenden, great grandchildren, Stanley and Avery Germain, and Harper Ockenden;  great nieces, nephews and cousins whom he adored. The family would like to especially thank his nurse, Lori, for all her wonderful care and compassion and to the staff and many friends at the Legacy at Willow Pond.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 21 from 3-7 pm at Jennings, Nulton &Mattle Funeral Home, 1704 Penfield Road. FuneralMass will be Friday, December 22, 9:00 a.m., St.Jerome’s Church, 207 Garfield St., East Rochester.   

Bob was born and raised in Penfield, NY, and he was very proud of his family heritage which dated back over 125 years.  His grandfather, Frank Ockenden Sr., was a local businessman who owned and operated the Ockenden General Store in the four corners and many years later Bob’s father Frank Jr., owned and operated the Ockenden Electric store where he worked while a teenager.   Bob was a U.S. Navy veteran having served at the end of the Korean War and was stationed at Key West, Florida.  He also spent time aboard the naval destroyer USS Hugh Purvis and during that time he was also a member of the Naval marching band where he played the drums.  Upon his return home from the service, Bob was employed at East Rochester Savings and Loan and then later joined Marine Midland Bank.  During that time, he met Grace D’Agostino from East Rochester and in 1957 they were married and built their family home on Whitney Road in Penfield.  It was here that they lived and raised their four children until Grace’s passing in 1992.   Bob left banking to join Hoselton Chevrolet in the early 1960’s where he worked for several years until joining Bob Hastings Olds where he worked until his retirement.

Upon his retirement, Bob reconnected with Trudy Mack who was a former school classmate from Penfield and they were married in 1994.  Together they traveled frequently, taking many cruises and enjoyed the opportunity to vacation at their home in Florida during the winter and their summer home in Henderson Harbor.  They also loved to use their skills building miniature doll houses together and most often donated them for auction at various charity events.   

Bob was a proud and dedicated 35-year member of the NYS Champion Fairport Fire Dept Marching Band playing the drums and cymbals.   Some of his greatest memories were traveling and playing with his fellow bandmate friends and in particular performing at Walt Disney World Florida.  Bob’s last opportunity to play with the band was a recent Christmas concert at the Fairport Baptist Home.  

To his friends Bob was well known as “SOB” (Sweet Old Bob) which was stitched and worn proudly on his Buffalo Bills hat.    He cherished the many friendships and relationships he formed over the years and it meant the world to him when he would run into someone from his past and have the opportunity for a “quick” chat.   Bob particularly enjoyed spending time with friends at the East Rochester Senior Center, where he and Trudy enjoyed line dancing and went on many outings and trips together.   Bob also loved performing in the comedy fashion show where they would entertain many people at area nursing homes with their clever and witty skits.    Each month Bob looked forward to attending the 49’ers luncheon where he reminisced with fellow Penfield high school classmates.  Bob previously served as secretary / treasurer for Oakwood Cemetery and Mausoleum in Penfield which is where he will be laid to rest next to his wife, Grace.   

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to: 

Fairport Fire Department Marching Band

c/o Fairport Fire Dept.

27 East Church Street

Fairport, NY  14450

band@fairportfd.org