Robert J. Kibler of Java Center, NY passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo at the age of 80.

He was born on January 2, 1946, in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Charles F. and Margaret (Knies) Kibler, Sr.

Bob proudly served his country for more than 30 years in the United States Army and Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. He first enlisted in the U.S. Army on December 10, 1965, and was honorably discharged on November 27, 1967, at the rank of Specialist Fourth Class (SP4). During his active-duty service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge.

In 1982, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve, serving with the 1st Battalion, 390th Regiment, 98th Division Training. He served as a Training NCO and later attended the Drill Sergeant Academy. From 2002 to 2005, he was activated four times for the Gulf War, and instructed and prepared troops prior to their deployment overseas. Following his final activation, he returned to his reserve unit as a Training NCO before being promoted to Master Sergeant. He then served as the Senior Instructor for the R.O.T.C. Program at Conesus College and retired from the Army Reserve in July 2006,

While serving in the Army Reserve, Robert also dedicated 32 years to National Fuel. Beginning as a pipefitter, he worked his way up to Sub Foreman before retiring in February 2001.

He was a member of the 98th Training Division at the Amherst U.S. Army Reserve Center and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Depew.

A devoted member of the former St. Patrick's Church in Java Center, Bob generously volunteered his time maintaining the church grounds until just two weeks before his passing. He was also a member of Mt. Vernon Masonic Lodge No. 263 in Java Village.

Robert was an active member of the American Legion Six-Star Post in Strykersville and played an instrumental role in establishing the Six-Star AMVETS Post in Strykersville, where he served as Commander. He was also a former member of the Strykersville Rescue Squad and the North Java Fire Department.

His beloved wife, Brenda (Fleming) Kibler, whom he married on June 21, 1969, at the former St. Patrick's Church in Java Center, survives. He is also survived by his sons: Michael (Lorie) Kibler of Java Center, Scott (Sherry) Kibler of Java Center, and James (Melissa) Kibler of Greensboro, NC; his siblings: Ben (Marie) Marino of Niagara Falls, NY, Catherine (Robert) Williams of Newport, NC, Norm (Karen) Kibler of Richmond, VA, and Dennis (the late Mary) Kibler of Richmond, VA. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Charles (Linda) Kibler, Jr.

Friends and family may call on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the W.S. Davis Funeral Home, 358 Main St., Arcade, where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Deacon John Zielinski officiating. Interment with military honors will be held at the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu.

Memorials may be made to the Strykersville Volunteer Fire Company, 594 Minkel Rd., Strykersville, NY 14145, or to the Six-Star Post, 3960 Main St., Strykersville, NY 14145.