Obituary of Robert J. Gaurnier

Robert Joseph Gaurnier, 74, much-loved father and friend to all, a lifelong resident of Syracuse, passed away Saturday, August 19, 2017. He graduated from SUNY Oswego with a Master's Degree in Education, and worked as an Assistant Professor of Radio and Television at Onondaga Community College. Prior to this, he was a radio broadcaster for WSEN under the name of "Uncle Rob." Robert was a firm believer in a Higher Power and practiced the Serenity Prayer every day. A lover and writer of music, he played multiple instruments including the guitar, drums and keyboard. Robert was also highly creative, and loved to involve his family in various arts and crafts projects. Also a lover of trains, he built an extensive Z Scale village to complement his train sets. Robert also enjoyed writing poetry, especially haiku, and frequently contributed his poems to the Syracuse Poster Project. Robert was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis; mother, Helen; and father, James. Survivors: his loving daughter, Anita and her husband, Chris; granddaughter, Koral Elana; grandson, Reiffe Arden, brother-in-law, John (Ann Marie) Benevento; sister-in-law, Susan (David) Wittich; and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins. Services: 11:00 AM Thursday at St. Ann's Church, 4471 Onondaga Blvd., Syracuse where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be 5 to 7 PM Wednesday at Tindall Funeral Home, 1921 W. Genesee St, Syracuse, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made in Robert's name to Guiding Eyes for the Blind (https://www.guidingeyes.org).