ROBERT C. LOURIE (Bob)

Salem, NY - Bob was born October 2, 1930 and raised at the Lourie Brothers Farm in West Rupert, VT. His parents were John and Allie Peck Lourie. Bob was raised with three brothers, three sisters, and five cousins that lived a quarter of a mile down the road. Bob graduated from Salem Central School in 1949 where he was an accomplished track and football athlete for the

Generals. He then went on to receive his Agriculture Associates from NYS University at Farmingdale, in Long Island, New York.

In 1952, after he received his degree, Bob returned to Salem and married the love of his life, Eleanor Marshalsea. They worked on farms in Canaan and Rhinebeck, NY where their two oldest children were born, before returning to the Marshalsea Farm in Salem to live and work and raise their 9 children. They celebrated their 73rd anniversary last November. Off the farm he was a Genetic Herd Evaluator with the American Breeders Service for 18 years, working mostly in New England and eastern New York. He also had the opportunity to train in 8 different states, which he greatly enjoyed. Well into his 80s, Bob was a parts driver for Cambridge Auto Parts delivering all over the surrounding areas. His love for conversation with old and new friends was unmatched.

Bob was a devoted member of Coila Church for over 40 years. He served as an elder for many of those years and enjoyed the fellowship of the weekly men's group. Coila brought Bob and Eleanor many life-long friends and community they cherished until their passing.

Robert and Eleanor spent two years living in Alaska in the 90's. Bob always dreamed of returning there to spend his days, but many visits over the years to their daughter Susan's family with many grandchildren were a highlight.

Bob and Eleanor spent many of their later years together at their little cottage on White Creek called the "Camp". There Bob would be found enjoying some of his hobbies which included bird watching, wood carving, and photography. He would take photos of the surroundings of the Camp: many of the garden his wife so lovingly tended and the creek, trees and birds that would change through the seasons. Eleanor helped to make his photographs into notecards which were sold at local shops. Bob would always bring his camera on every trip and outing to capture the scenery and special memories, which he loved to share with his family.

Robert is preceded in death by his wife Eleanor, granddaughter Andrea, brother Don, sisters Elsie, Anna & Frances, numerous cousins and his parents John and Allie. He is survived by his two brothers Arthur and Evan, his 9 children: Robert (Nancy), Susan (Tom), Barbara (Ed), JoAnne (Ken), Douglas (Cathy), Christopher (Bernie), Jill (Jac), Julia (Scott) and Walter (Linda) as well as 28 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

May his soul dwell with the blessed and may his memory be eternal.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Coila Church, 93 State Route 372, Cambridge, NY. A calling hour will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. A reception will be in the church hall following the service and interment will be at 2:30 pm at the Rupert Cemetery, Rupert, VT.

To express your sympathy or share a memory of Bob, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, Inc., in Salem.

Salem Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 360, Salem NY 12865