ONEONTA - Robert J. Sage died Thursday, December 4, 2014 at home. He was 84. He was born December 13, 1929 at New Berlin, NY. He was the son of Ralph and Ella Mae (Layman) Sage. At an early age the family moved to Norwich, NY. In 1945 the family moved to Oneonta, NY and established The Oneonta News Company, a wholesale paper distribution company that operated seven days a week, disturbing newspapers and magazines, to stores and families throughout the area. Bob from an early age, always had a job, working in grocery stores, and garages while also helping in the family business.

He graduated from The Oneonta High School in 1948. He worked at The Oneonta Sales Company and in January 1951 he joined the US Army. He received his basic training at Camp Pickett, Virginia and became a member of the Army Security Agency and was stationed at Two Rock Ranch Station in Petaluma, CA. He returned to the Oneonta Sales Company and worked there for 40 years, at various positions, and was a salesman when he left the company following a heart attack.

He married Karyl Beames on May 4, 1956 and they resided in the West End of Oneonta.

Never idle, he was also employed by the Otsego Sheriff's Department, most usually at the Morris Fairgrounds at the stock car races and the annual fair during the 1960's and 70's. He also worked weekends for the Oneonta Police department. He was Town Constable for the Town of Oneonta, he also served as Court Officer and as marriage officer for over 35 years.

Bob and Karyl owned property near Gilbert Lake, in Laurens, with a camp where they spent their free time. That property has become part of the Gilbert State Park. Deciding that they would like to travel, in 1971 they purchased their first motor home. In 1977 they purchased a bus which they converted into a motor home and after selling that in 1988, they continued to own motor homes. They traveled most recently by car and bus.

Bob is survived by his wife, Karyl; a sister–in-law and husband, Richard and Linda Ackley; brother-in-law and wife, Paul (Lisa) Schmitt and sister-in-law, Beverly Schmitt; several nieces and nephews, including, Kathleen Rutan, Chris (Jim) Nord, Jody (Mark) Coutemanche and Ronald Sage to whom he was a true Father-figure. He is also survived by a sister, Lillian Morey. His brother Charles Sage whom Bob and Karyl cared for predeceased him in 2012

Graveside services will be held 11 a.m., Monday, December 8 at The Evergreen Cemetery, White Store, South of South New Berlin.

In lieu of flowers it is suggested that donations be made to the White Store Church, 27 Barnes Circle, Unadilla, NY 13849.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, is assisting the family.