Robert Ashley

ROCHESTER - Robert A. Ashley, 80, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, at Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a period of failing health.Born Aug. 22, 1929, in Pittsfield, he was the son of the late Adelbert and Alice (Maxfield) Ashley.Mr. Ashley served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, later he worked as a carpenter before retiring as the maintenance director for the Portsmouth Housing Authority.Robert was a member of the Good Sam Club, and the Carpenter's Local 921. During his retirement, he enjoyed bowling, traveling in his RV, camping and attending many Ashley reunions. He and his wife of 33 years enjoyed the winters in Harlingen, Texas.Members of his family include his wife, Madeline (Nutting) Ashley of Rochester; his children, Arthur Ashley and his wife, Pam, of Somersworth, Virginia Ashley of Concord, Betty Grant of Gonic, Muriel Dyer of Arizona; stepchildren, Paul Sylvester and his wife, Lisa, of Milton, and Doug Sylvester and his fiance, Patty, of Gonic; 15 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; one brother, Arnold Ashley and his wife, Barbara, of Dover; two sisters, Shirley Lacy of Washington and Barbara Walnut and her husband, Ed, of Massachusetts; several nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by son, Robert Ashley Jr. and stepdaughter, Janet Hatch.Family and friends may visit Monday, Oct. 26 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the R. M. Edgerly and Son Funeral Home, 86 S. Main St., Rochester.A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home.Burial will take place in the Rye Cemetery at the family's convenience.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.Visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits