Robert D. Rasmusson Obituary

Robert D. Rasmusson
Loving Father and Grandfather

Robert D. Rasmusson left this world on March 14, 2018, at the age of 85. Bob was born on August 15, 1932, the first of six children born to Marcia and Rolland Rasmusson. He was raised in the Cuba area, graduating from Cuba High in 1951.

As a young man, Bob started his work career by working for his grandfather who owned the Olivecrest Pavilion and amusement park on Cuba Lake. He helped to cut ice blocks from the lake, ran some of the rides in the park, and even helped to paint the animals on the carousal. (The carousal is now located in Albany in NY.) His favorite job was working during dances held at the Pavilion. He had many fun stories about those days, including his ability to dance on roller skates.

He married Ruth J. Burt on September 9, 1951, his high school sweetheart, to whom he was married for 63 years at the time of her death on June 26, 2015. After starting their family, Bob was employed by Clark Brothers in Olean. He was offered an apprenticeship as a model/pattern maker, which became his life's occupation. In the early 1960's, he was laid off. In order to support his family, which included four children by that time, he sought employment in Rochester. Kodak quickly hired him. He moved his family to Rochester where they all lived and thrived for many years. He ended his career at Kodak as a supervisor, and often told a story about helping a woman who came into his department get equal pay. He was very proud of that accomplishment. Upon leaving Kodak, Bob opened his own business which he ran for approximately ten years, before moving back to the Cuba area.

Bob and Ruth had a passion for buying and remodeling houses. Bob had handyman skills, and could fix anything. Ruth was the decorator/designer. Their last house on Main Street in Cuba, was originally built by the Palmer family in the 1850's, one of the prominent residents in Cuba (Palmer Opera House). The house is on the historic registry.

Bob took his civic duties seriously. He was a member and trustee of the United Methodist Church of Cuba. He was a member of the Cuba-Friendship Masonic Lodge # 306 F&AM and was Treasurer for several years. He had been nominated for the prestigious Dedicated Service Award regarding his civic service to both the Free Masons and his community. Bob also served as a trustee for the Cuba Library until his illness. He also delivered Meals on Wheels.

At the age of 84, he finally became a member of the Senior Club and began to exercise two days a week with the other local seniors. He was able to renew some old friendships and make some new friends. He got his hair cut at the local barber every two weeks or so. Probably more for the socializing with the guys, rather than needing a hair cut.

Bob loved going to the Opera House and enjoyed all of the local talent. He loved everything the community offered.

Bob is survived by his four children, Sharry Semans of Cuba, Susan Pilaroscia of Rochester, Bruce Rasmusson of Cuba, and Brian Rasmusson (married to Laurie Matthews) of Rochester. He has seven grandchildren and several great grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly. Everyone who knew him will say that he was a kind and generous man.

. Friends will be received at the Cuba United Methodist Church, 49 East Main Street on Saturday March 17, 2018, from 1-3 P.M., followed by a funeral service and dinner. The Rev. Becky Worth, will officiate. All are welcome to come and celebrate this wonderful man's life.

Members of Cuba Friendship Masonic Lodge # 306 F& AM will conduct services Saturday at 3:00 P.M. prior to the Funeral Service.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba. Online condolences may be sent by clicking the button below.