Robert D. Bamford, Sr., 77, of Holland Patent, NY passed away unexpectedly in Florida on November 22, 2020. Robert was born on January 27, 1943 to Ethelyn and Floyd Bamford in Utica, NY. He attended the historic First Baptist Church of North Utica with his family and graduated from Whitesboro Schools in 1961. He married Linda McBride on August 8, 1968. At a young age, Bobby became fascinated with cars and racing. He built a hot rod and became a lifelong fan of NASCAR and classic cars, and most recently worked with his son, Michael, on his motorcycle and went with him as he raced and even got to go up on the tower. He began working in construction starting with Candella, then Rossi, Keller, and Charco Construction and was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers. He missed this work after retiring and was excited to show you equipment he had operated, rigs he drove, and what was occurring on a building site even enthusiastically operating a Bobcat last year . He was also fascinated by planes, trains, and history and was an avid bowler from a young age. He enjoyed the outdoors from yard work to boating in the Adirondacks, skiing and snowmobiling. He began staying in Florida during winters near his beloved sister and rode around in his golf cart enjoying the sunshine, helped neighbors since he could fix anything, boating on the St. Johns River, and worked outside in constant motion right up until his last day. Bobby enjoyed a simple life with his childlike outlook and was a true gentleman. No matter the struggles he faced, he always had an impish smile on his face. Robert is survived by his wife, Linda, and son and best friend, Michael Bamford and Marie Symonds of Whitesboro, NY, beloved granddaughter Betsy Bamford and her mother, Karen Storsberg of Rome, NY, sister-in-law, Ginnie McBride of Oriskany, NY, brother-in-law, Richard Fortnam of DeBary, FL, special niece and friend, Dr. Susan Zullo of Bethesda, MD, niece Lori Remick of Naples, FL and her daughter Lisa (Steven) D’Ortone and sons Dominic and Leo of Towson, MD, nephews Matt Kupiec of Macungie, PA, Jeff and Michael Chowaniec of Oriskany, NY, and other treasured friends and family including many from Traders Cove in DeBary, FL where he spent winters, Eastern Star Home in Oriskany, NY where he volunteered, and Burkart Automotive in Yorkville, NY where he spent many hours. He was predeceased by his son Robert D. Bamford, Jr., which broke his heart, his sister Beverly (Zullo) Fortnam who he was extremely close to and brother-in-law Louis (Joe) Zullo, son-in-law Paul Remick, sister-in-law Sherry Kupiec, and cousins David (Betsy) Clark. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Dimbleby Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Whitesboro, NY.