Robert M. Toft

Formerly of Palmyra, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Hospice of Wake Co., Raleigh, NC.  Bob was born in Endicott, NY on Friday, Oct. 13, 1922.  He graduated with honors from Ithaca College and taught music for several years in the Shortsville-Manchester school district.  He was the choir director for  the United Methodist Church in Manchester and, after moving to Palmyra, he directed the choir at the United Methodist Church of Palmyra.  In 1963, Bob along with Jim Smith, co-founded the C.A. Palmer Fife and Drum Corp, an organization that has remained very special to him.  Bob retired as the commissioner of Social Services for Tioga County, NY and moved to North Carolina in the mid 1990's.

Bob was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara, sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Chuck Moore, son David Toft and stepson Robert Stein, Jr.  He is survived by his wife Lela, of Garner, NC; loving sons, Craig, Robert II and John (Theresa) Toft; beloved daughter, Martha (Bob) Ebert; stepchildren, Linda Mullin, Lori (Bob) Meeker and John Stein.  He is also survived by his special grandchildren, Robert III and Alexandrea Toft, Shannon Gerwe, Brooke Toft, Kelly and William Fitzgerald.  Great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Toft, Chase and Reese Gerwe, Jack and Evan Beach; as well as brother-in-law Bruce (Ellie) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob's Memorial Service will take place on Sat., May 17, 2014 at 10am at the Palmyra United Methodist Church, Palmyra, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Hospice of Wake Co., 5930 Trinity Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607, ref. Robert M. Toft. Online Condolences may be left at www.murphyfuneralservices.com .