Robert J. Lever

Clinton - Robert J. Lever, 63, of Clinton, passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2014 in the Siegenthaler Center with his loving family by his side. Robert was born in Ilion on August 13, 1950, the son of Teresa Cambridge Lever and the late Robert D. Lever. He attended elementary school in Ilion and later attended Westmoreland School. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1968. He went on to graduate from Syracuse University with a degree in Political Science. His affinity for nature and outdoor activities drew him to the west, where he lived in southwestern Wyoming and Colorado Springs, Colorado. He worked in the insurance business for several years which allowed him to travel along many vast and open expanses. He used these experiences for his creative writing endeavors. He had always been an avid sports fan which included Syracuse and the New York Yankees. He participated as often as he could in any sport, particularly running and hiking but was equally happy taking peaceful walks in nature. He returned to Clinton in 2010 where he continued to pursue his interest in writing, poetry and nature, using the inspiration of his renewed love of the village of Clinton and the New York area. He reconnected with many old friends and made as many new. He enjoyed spending time at the local coffee shops with these friends where they built a new spirit of community while discussing many topics of life as well as sports trivia. The first person he connected with at the coffee shop was Gilbert Adams of Clinton, who remained his steadfast friend to the very end. It was here that he also met his special companion, Ginny Cogley. Robert is survived by his mother, Teresa M. Lever; three sisters and brothers in law Janis Lever and Joseph M. Steates of Clinton, Carole A. Nowak and her husband John of Rome, Diane M. Lee and her husband Edward of Green River, WY and Old Forge; two brothers and sisters in law, Gary P. Lever and his wife Sally of Casper, WY and James E. Lever and his wife Julie of Rock Springs, WY; his companion, Ginny Cogley "Ginger" of Oriskany Falls; his nieces and nephews, Luke Janicki, Garrett and Bethany Lever, Matthew Steates, Benjamin Steates, Alec Lever, Austin Lever, Allison Nowak, Aaron Nowak and James Nowak and many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert D. Lever and grandparents, George and Mildred Lever and Bernard and Alice Cambridge. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 11:00 AM in the Church of the Annunciation, 7616 E. South St, Clark Mills, with the Rev. Kevin Bunger, officiating. All friends and family are welcome to join in the celebration of his life on Saturday at 12:15 PM at Alteri's Restaurant in Clinton. Interment will be held privately in Mt. Olivet Cemetery at the convenience of his family. Arrangements are under the direction of the V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc. 203 Second Ave, Frankfort. Arrangements are under the direction of the V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc. 203 Second Ave, Frankfort. There will be no public calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Building and Improvement fund for the Church of Annunciation in Clark Mills. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Robert's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com