Robert ‘Bob’ Blank of Liberty, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at home, at the young age of 97. He was the son of Meyer and Annie Evans Blank.

Bob was born in Brooklyn but grew up on their family farm in Swan Lake, NY. He graduated from Liberty High School and proudly served our country in the US Army in World War II and Korea. He continued his involvement with the military throughout his life as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and as Commander of the Sullivan County Jewish War Veterans.

Bob is most well known as the proprietor of Premium Gas Service and County Petroleum Products of Ferndale, NY, where he owned and operated numerous Exxon gasoline stations and a home heating fuel distributorship.

Bob was an active member of the Liberty Rotary Club, most notably raising funds for scholarships and polio prevention. Additionally, he was proud to be the longest-standing member of the Liberty Elks Lodge. He continually supported causes such as the Anti-Defamation League, State of Israel, and was formerly President of Congregation Ahavath Israel in Liberty. He consistently donated and supported food pantries and numerous churches in the area, especially the Friendship Baptist Church in Ferndale.

In his spare time, he enjoyed playing baseball and going hunting and fishing. He was an avid fan of the New York Mets and New York Giants. He rarely missed a game.

In spite of the heavy time constraints that his professional life required, Bob managed to be a highly attentive father and grandfather. Many favorite memories include his time spent as a Little League Coach, a baseball instructor, his days spent on family fishing trips, school projects, and countless other special and loving family moments.

He will be missed by all that knew him, as he was truly a kind, thoughtful, giving, and compassionate man.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Gloria; his children, Barbara (Walter) Karpowski; Lorrie (Allen) Frishman; Mitchell (Barbara) Blank; and his grandchildren, Jenna and Ean Blank. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Meyer and Annie Blank.

Family visiting took place on Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 10:00am to 11:00am at the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home, 388 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701. A funeral service took place in the chapel at 11:00am. Interment with military honors  immediately followed at the Ahavath Israel Synagogue Cemetery, Hysana Road in Liberty. 

Memorial contributions in Bob’s name can be made to the Liberty Rotary Club, the Liberty Elks Lodge, or to the VFW.

Arrangements are honorably entrusted to the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home - 845-794-7474 or www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com.