Obituary of Robert F Cathy

Wolcott: Bob, 53, passed from the arms of his mother to the hand of God to receive eternal life on December 20, 2015. He was born to Donald and Gene Cathy on July 13, 1962. Bob was born with Down’s Syndrome during a time when the standard practice was for families to either hide them in shame or to institutionalize them. His family loved him dearly and advocated for fair opportunities for him. Bob was a pioneer in helping change community misconceptions about people with disabilities. Bob used all of his abilities to the fullest. He had the gift of loving everybody and overlooking any faults. Bob lacked the inhibitions which prevent many of us from reaching out to others. His standard greeting was “Oh, hi. Me Bob. Where you from.” He made many friends and was an ambassador for people with disabilities. Bob loved babies and small children, and would often tell new mothers “hey, nice baby you got” to make them smile. Bob made everyone he met feel special and never forgot a face. He had a boundless love of life and people. He was attuned to the emotions of others and was not inhibited by social labels or constraints. He attracted people through his purity of heart, jokes, words and music. Bob was the first special needs student to start at Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES at the age of five. His determination and success provided the proof needed to justify the many benefits of the program. This paved the way for other disabled students. At the age of 21, he was the first Finger Lakes student with disabilities to receive his diploma alongside his classmates. Bob received a standing ovation when he walked across the stage with the Class of 1983. His love of learning lead him to pursue classes in poetry. Bob attended Rotary Camp ONSEYAWA in Romulus NY from ages 6 through 16. Camp provided Bob with the opportunity to gain independence and self reliance, while having fun and making lifelong friends. Bob was a Special Olympic athlete who successfully participated in many events. Bob enjoyed watching football and any “MISS” Pageants, music, dancing, playing his guitar and harmonica. He was very patriotic and proud to be a voter. With the love and devotion of his family, as well as his religious beliefs, Bob lived an extraordinary life. He had an instinctive knowledge of right and wrong, and could not comprehend unkind acts. Bob loved everyone and was able to forgive people. He broke many barriers while reaching his full potential. He was a gift from God who enjoyed life, lived in the moment and tried his best at everything. Bob is survived by his beloved family: his mother Gene M. Cathy of Wolcott; his brother William Cathy of Sodus; his sisters Jeanette Cathy of Wolcott and Donna Cathy-Fratto (Scott) of Waterloo; nephews Dereck Cathy and Dominic Fratto; his grand-niece Azyriel Cathy; his grand-nephew Kaleb Cathy, as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles and countless friends. He will be sincerely missed. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, December 23, 2015 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Norton Funeral Home, 5925 New Hartford Street, Wolcott, NY, with a service immediately following. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held in the Spring with the time and place to be announced on the Funeral Home website. A special thank you goes to the Doctors, Nurses and staff at Moore Place and the ICU at Newark Wayne Community Hospital for their superb care and compassion over the past two years. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Camp ONSEYAWA, PO Box 614, Geneva NY 14456.