Robert Lee Rose

Robert Lee Rose, 76, of Syracuse and Lakeland, FL, died August 3, 2022. Bob was born in Watertown in 1945 to parents Nasle and George Rose. He graduated from Watertown High School and enlisted in the US Army Reserves. He trained as a medic (a skill that was useful in splinting the broken arm of his grandson after a playground accident) and was honorably discharged in 1969.

Bob fell in love with Linda Esposito after meeting her at Morgia’s restaurant, and they were married in July 1966. After a few years in Watertown, they moved to Syracuse, where Bob continued his career with the telephone company. He retired from Verizon in 2001 after 31 years of service.

Bob and Linda had three sons—Jason, Justin, and Eric—and Bob, a former high school wrestler, coached his boys and many others over the years. He was an integral member of the Mohawk Valley Wrestling Club and remained active in the club until just a few years ago. He traveled the world with his wrestlers and loved visiting other countries. His wrestling took him to many countries like China, Turkey, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Belgium, and Puerto Rico, and he loved every minute of the trips and the competitions. He was honored twice by being an Athlete Escort marching wrestlers to their matches during both the Atlanta and Beijing Olympics. Bob was inducted into both the Section III and New York State Wrestling Halls of Fame. Bob made friends everywhere he went!

Bob Rose never met a stranger. He loved to socialize and would stop to talk with anyone and treated them like family. Bob was known for his dry sense of humor and his generosity. He loved adventures and traveling; at one time he owned a sailboat and even joined a sailing race team. He enjoyed getting around on his scooter in the streets of Liverpool, NY. He had a love for the waters and lakes in Central NY along with the warm Gulf of Mexico and white sands of Florida.

Bob and Linda bought a house in Florida and became snowbirds, enjoying both the mild Florida winters and the delightful Syracuse summers. Bob liked boating and loved being able to be on the water year-round. They flew back to New York frequently and rarely missed a family event.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, his sister Judy, and his brother Tom. He is survived by his wife Linda; his sons Justin (Susan) of Tampa, Jason (Robin) of Liverpool, and Eric (Kim) of Baldwinsville; his six grandchildren: Gabriel and Natalie in Tampa, Donovan and Madison in Liverpool, and Liam and Nolan in Baldwinsville; and his brother Mike in Florida.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.