Born on August 11, 1958, in Wellsville he was a son of Audrey McNamara. In 1981, he met his lifelong companion Sandi Rogers who survives.

Robert attended Belmont Central School. While he was young, he was a farmhand on local farms, shoveled snow in Belmont area, and was a handyman that worked at church. Bob had worked for the Friendship Foundry until it closed, after that he worked for McHone Industries in Salamanca, and later. for the Town of Friendship Highway Department, but his last job was at J&R Auto in Olean as an automotive detailer until becoming ill.

During his youth he served as an altar boy. He was an avid NASCAR fan following Dale Earnhardt Sr., and collecting his memorabilia. He will be remembered for being a perfectionist always taking great pride in anything that he was doing, especially his yardwork.

He is survived by his lifelong companion, Sandi; his mother, Audrey McNamara of Belfast; 2 sons, Justin Hand of Hinsdale and Anthony Hand of Friendship; step daughter, Danielle Rhude of Belfast; grandchildren, Cody, Julian, Ivorie, Brianna, and Tobias Hand, and Christopher and Angel Fuller and Junelle Shaw; 2 brothers, Kevin (Christina) Hand of Dalton and Kenneth Hand of Cuba; a sister, Sandra Sadler of Belfast; several nieces and nephews; and his dog Ginger.

He was predeceased by a brother Richard Hand and four siblings whom died in infancy.

The family will receive friends at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 31 E. Hughes Street, Belfast on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 10-11:00 A.M. at which time a Memorial Mass will be held. The Rev. John Cullen will be the celebrant.

Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Belfast.