02/02/2026
Francis Robert “Bob” Cawley, 77, of Hornell, NY, passed away suddenly on January 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Bob was born on April 11, 1948, in Scranton, PA, the son of Francis Jerome and Alice Elizabeth Hodge Cawley. He moved to Hornell as a child, a place he would proudly call home for the rest of his life, and graduated from Hornell High School in 1966. In 1967, Bob entered the United States Army and served his country with honor in the Vietnam War as a member of the 25th Infantry Division. He was honorably discharged following his deployment. Bob was a member of the Hornell VFW, where he generously volunteered his time for Memorial Day and Veterans Day events. He carried his love and respect for those he served with for the remainder of his life.
On June 6, 1970, Bob married the love of his life, Susan Irene Cole, at St. Ignatius Church in Hornell. Together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and companionship. Bob and Sue enjoyed traveling together, bird watching, train watching, and camping. Early in their marriage, they worked side by side at Watkins Glen Racetrack- an experience Bob especially cherished as a lifelong racing fan. Together, they raised two daughters and were blessed with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Bob worked hard throughout his life, holding several jobs including positions at a Volkswagen dealership and Foster Wheeler. In 1984, he began a career as a New York State corrections officer, serving primarily at Groveland until his retirement in 2007. He was deeply involved in the NYS Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOBA) and valued the friendships he built through his work. Bob had a love for trains, both collecting and watching them, and he found joy behind the camera as an avid photographer. He was a devoted fan of NASCAR, Notre Dame football, Penn State, and the Buffalo Bills. Bob could be found sitting on the porch with his beloved porch cats, enjoying a cigar outside his camper, or sharing stories and coffee with his cherished JC’s Café crew.
A man of faith, Bob was a longtime communicant of the former St. Ignatius Church in Hornell. Prior to his death, Bob attended Our Lady of the Valley Mass weekly. Bob was also very proud of his Irish-American heritage and was a member of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. Bob will be remembered for his quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and his gift for storytelling. Above all, he will be remembered for the deep love he had for his family. He also gave generously of himself to the community, serving as a library board member and formerly volunteering at a local soup kitchen.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved parents and his two sisters, Karen Elizabeth Cawley and Margaret “Peggy” Johnson. He was also predeceased by his treasured cat, Alex.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Susan “Sue” Cawley of Hornell; his daughters, Virginia “Ginny” (Michael) Leach of Dansville, NY, and Margaret (Robert) Paine of Canaseraga, NY; and his cousin, Catherine “Cathy” Deshler of Scranton, PA. He was a proud and loving “Grandbob” to five grandchildren- Margo (Nathaniel) Darling, James (Ellennia-Jo) Leach, Hannahlee Leach, Isaiah Paine, and Onalee Paine- and two great-grandchildren, Magnolia Mae Leach and Callahan Leach. Bob also shared close bonds with his extended family, who loved him dearly.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, from 1 PM –7 PM. At The Bender- Brown and Powers Funeral Home in Hornell, NY. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 7, at 9:30 AM. at St. Anns Church, Erie Avenue in Hornell. A private burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fremont. Following the Mass, family and friends are invited to gather for a reception at the Hornell VFW.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields,
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
