Robert George Updegraff

It is with great sadness, but with so much love, pride, and respect that the family of Robert George Updegraff announce his passing on July 7th, 2022.

Robert, 72, was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Richard and Dorothy Updegraff. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dean Updegraff. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Fern Updegraff, daughter Courtney (Patrick) Updegraff Coleman, and son Cody Updegraff. Robert is survived by his six grandchildren, sister Karen McLaughlin, and several nieces and nephews.

After finishing college at West Chester University, Robert left Pennsylvania and landed in New York State for a new job, but also lucked out when he found the love of his life, the former Fern Goettel. Married for almost 50 years, they raised their two children, Courtney and Cody, together in Amherst, New York.
Robert was completely devoted to his family, and when not working hard at his job at Weyerhaeuser, you could find him cheering on his kids and supporting all of their dreams. Many days were spent on the fields of Lou Gehrig Youth Baseball, coaching his son. A former athlete, he also picked up Judo with his son and spent many hours sitting through dance recitals for his daughter. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his family.

An avid golfer, Robert loved nothing more than heading to the golf course to "hit a bucket of balls" or "play a quick 9 holes", and come home to watch his beloved Buffalo Bills or Sabres.

Robert was a gifted craftsman. Before his father passed away when he was just a child, he would watch him build houses. He carried that knowledge with him as he grew up and became a master at building himself, taking a piece of wood and transforming it into anything you could imagine. You could often find him at his meticulous work bench, where all the magic would begin.

In 1999, his love of the ocean and warmer weather brought him and his wife to Charleston, South Carolina, where he worked for Terranova, and then later as a National Sales Manager for Masisa USA.
Robert retired in Kennesaw, Georgia, where he enjoyed a job as a ranger at Cobblestone Golf Course, fly fishing, and landscaping at his home. He and his wife were lucky enough to be able to travel to many places in the world, and one of his favorite memories was spending the day with Eric Clapton in London, England.

Robert's greatest treasure were his six best buddies, his grandkids, Patrick Coleman and Iden Updegraff, and Thunder, Sully, Leigha, and Luke (Smiley) Coleman. Lovingly nicknamed "Apa" by his first Grandson, his favorite days were spent carrying his Grandkids on his shoulders through Disney World, dipping tiny toes in the ocean for the first time, and reminding them that he was once a lifeguard as he gave them their first swimming lessons. His grandchildren adored him and their beautiful memories with him will last a lifetime.

Robert meant everything to his family, and until they meet again, they will love and honor him every day of their lives.

A Private Memorial Service will be held at a later date.