Born December 28, 1958, in Buffalo, he was a son of late Joseph and Rita (Watz) Gelz. On July 26, 1986, in Black Creek, he married the former Peggy A. Williams, and together would have celebrated forty years of marriage on July 26.

Bobby served in the United States Army from 1976-1979 and was proud to have received the Good Conduct Medal and Marksman medal.

For a short period of time, he worked at ACME Electric, but then went to work as a machinist for Dresser Rand, until he retired due to illness.

Bobby delighted in gardening, cooking, and gunsmithing, but his heart belonged entirely to his family. The immense love he gave was beautifully mirrored by his wife and daughters, whose unwavering care and devotion sustained him through his prolonged health struggles.

In addition to his wife of 40 years, Peg, he is survived by two daughters Katie (Jason) Cummins of Black Creek and Jenna Gelz of Cuba; four grandchildren Kaylin, Laini, Lawson, and Jake; two brothers Joe (Pat) Gelz of Grand Island and Jim (Patti) Gelz of Cheektowaga; a sister Joanne (Don) Kasperak of Lancaster; several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from Noon until 2:00 P.M. at which time memories will be shared.

Memorials may be made to the Nation Kidney Foundation.