Robert P. Baechle Syracuse, New York Obituary

Robert P. Baechle

We celebrate the final checkered flag for “Boom Boom” Bob who passed on August 1, 2022, after a hard fought battle with cancer. Born in Utica, NY to parents, George and Mildred Baechle and predeceased by sister, Mary, nephew, Scott Almas and daughters, Karen and Andrea. Survived by his wife, Nancy who was business partner and soulmate sharing his life of adventure for 56 years. Also surviving are his daughter, Carla (partner, Michael) of Virginia, brothers, Ray and Gary, nephew, Gary Almas, nieces, Linda and Christine, as well as brothers- in-law, Arthur and Earl (Judy) Hurlbut. Bob was a 57 year member of the Sports Car Club of America having competed for 25 years at every level of amateur and professional racing usually with a big block Corvette. He loved big blocks and a power ride. After sports car racing Bob chose foot racing for another 25 years competing in many 10K and 15K events including the Utica Boilermaker for 15 events. He liked to compete and socialize afterward, usually being one of the last to leave a party. Bob owned and operated Corvette Barn in Syracuse for 45 years, retiring, kicking and screaming, at age 83, six weeks short of his 84th birthday. He did not want to leave the pride of his life’s work and all the great people he met who liked to hear his racing stories. If you had time, he had stories. Bob will be remembered by most as a compassionate, quiet spoken, fun and sun loving, handsome dude who never met a cat he didn’t love. God speed Bob, no tickets please.<br><br>Since family and friends are scattered far and wide, no services are scheduled at this time. Donations in Bob’s name to SPCA or other preferred animal shelter would be welcomed.
January 14, 1935 - August 1, 202201/14/193508/01/2022
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Robert P. Baechle
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David Trust
August 12, 2022
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing and my condolences to Nancy, his other family members and friends. I first met Bob & Nancy in 1981, as a teenager on a budget with my broken down '66 Corvette. They treated me so well that I returned years later (once I was an adult wi... Continue Reading
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Dean Johnson
August 9, 2022
I crewed for Bob for a couple of race seasons around 1983 at Watkins Glen, Pocono, Trois Rivieres Canada (where we changed the gear box three times in one weekend) and others along with my life time friend Ray Gale. It was a great experience and Bob was a super nice guy... Continue Reading
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Michael and Teresa Gambuzza
August 9, 2022
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He introduced me to the passion of Corvette ownership in the late 1980s, when I bought my first Corvette - a 1976, and then my long term 1970 Stingray. He was always a great person to speak with, work with, and a wealth of knowledge. ... Continue Reading
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PHIL RUFFINI
August 8, 2022
I had the honor of meeting and knowing this man for over 40 years, and a nicer person you would have trouble finding. Always upbeat and pleasant to deal with I will never forget him letting me climb up in his rafters to pull some parts for my '72 Stingray. He would often... Continue Reading
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Edward P Bellefeuille
August 7, 2022
To the friends of Bob, I'm saddened to read of Bob's passing recently. He and Nancy not only took great care of my classic corvettes but became friends. I pass by the old Corvette Barn multiple times a week and never miss thinking of Bob and Nancy. Bob took the final c... Continue Reading
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Dave Reeves
August 7, 2022
My Corvettes and I spent many hours at Bob's shop. One of the few guys I would trust with my babies. He "borrowed" the intake manifold off of my LT-1 to use on his race car "temporarily" in the late 1970s. . . no problem, Bob. Hope you're taking a victory lap.
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Tom Reed
August 7, 2022
I worked for Bob for 3 years in the late 70s and early 80s . Great guy! I remember installing a 55 gallon drum in the back of his van, with a switch to change gas tanks so he could make it to Daytona without stopping to fill up ! I still have all the envelopes that Nancy... Continue Reading
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Frank Peterson
August 6, 2022
My heart sank when I heard of “The Big Guys” passing. I first met Bob 35 years ago when he straightened out my first 1966 corvette but I really got to know Bob when he allowed me to work with him during the last two years before his retirement. Every work day was a learn... Continue Reading
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Julie M. Fenster
August 6, 2022
Bob was invariably kind whenever I stopped at the Corvette Barn in the 1980's to look at the cars for sale and dream about owning a classic sports car someday. My mother often came with me, if we were in Solvay. He was generous with his time and treated me, an impecun... Continue Reading
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Tom Dobbelaere
August 6, 2022
To Bob's Family,
I am so sad and sorry to hear about your loss. Bob was a great professional mechanic. I was fortunate to have Bob work on my '65 and '69 Corvettes and was always pleased with his expert work. Obviously, there are many Corvette owners that will miss Bob ... Continue Reading
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