Robert Lavelle

Robert David Lavelle of Liberty, NY, a retired State Farm Insurance agent and a long time area resident, died Thursday, April 11, 2013 at the Catskill Regional Medical Center, Harris, NY. He was 75.

The son of the late John J. and Mildred C. Bailey Lavelle, he was born July 26, 1937 in Towanda, PA.

Robert proudly served Our Country for four years in the United States Air Force; he was a graduate of the Vale School of Insurance and Real Estate and worked for over 50 years as an insurance agent for State Farm; he was a Communicant of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Liberty, NY; he is a past president and a 50 year member of Liberty Fire Company #2 and a member of the Sullivan County Rescue and Recovery Team; he is a former Village of Liberty Trustee and Village Justice; he was a member of the Liberty Elks Lodge # 1545; past president of the Liberty Rotary; and past president and a former member of Liberty Ethics Committee. Robert is a former member of the Liberty Jaycees, former state chair and former district president of the Jaycees; an Eagle Scout; a private pilot, a sky diver, and a scuba diver.

Survivors include his wife, Judy L. Cahill Lavelle, who he married in 1961, at home; two sons, Michael Lavelle and his wife Christine of Rochester, NY, and Stephen Lavelle of Liberty, NY; one daughter, Susan Lavelle of Liberty, NY; three sisters, Joanne Kohut and her husband Dr. John of CA, Catherine Lavelle of TN, and Patricia Scheidel of Castleton, NY; one aunt, Carol Bailey of NC; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by one son, Timothy David Lavelle.

In a family statement it was said, "Robert loved his family, friends, his policy holders, and Liberty, NY."

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 16, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM in the Harris Funeral Home West St. at Buckley Liberty, NY. The Liberty Fire Company # 2 will conduct services at 7 PM in the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 11:45 AM in St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church 264 Main Street Liberty, NY. Monsignor Edward Straub will officiate.

Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery, Cold Spring Road, Liberty, NY.

Memorial contributions in Robert's name may be made to St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church 264 Main St. Liberty, NY 12754.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home West Street at Buckley, Liberty, NY. 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200 www.Harris-FH.com