Robert J. Passineau

Bob “The Candy Man” Passineau

January 6, 2020

In the comfort of his home surrounded by his children & dog, Robert J. Passineau of Minoa passed peacefully into the gates of heaven on January 6th after a four-month battle with cancer. Born in Montreal, Canada on May 4, 1945, Bob was the oldest of 5 children to the late Elmer J. and Mary B. Passineau.

Like the intro to Cheers sang, “Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name”, well that was Bob. Known as “The Candy Man” for 45 years, Bob’s greatest joy came from putting a smile on the face of everyone he met through a simple piece of candy. 

He was predeceased by the love of his life & life partner of 27 years, Deanna Sauve (“Honey #1”); brothers, Bill and Jim Passineau; and sister in law, Jeannette Reardon.

He is survived by his son, Robert J. Passineau Jr. and daughter, Jessica D. Deere (“Honey #2); faithful canine companion, Lady;brothers Fred (Lore) Henderson and Graylynn (Amy) Passineau; grandchildren Christian Heneka and Jodi Halbig; great nephew Aaron Michael; beloved family members Tom & Debby Peters, Perry & Paula Martino, Tom & Pam Franco, Rob & Tonya Reardon, and Cherie Johnson; many loving nieces, nephews, and their families; best friend Ron & Pam Ezzo; and caring neighbor Rita Clements.

Bob graduated from Plattsburgh Highschool, NY in 1964. He served 2 tours in Vietnam with the United States Navy from 1965-1971.  After serving his country, he worked at the United States Post Office on Taft Road in Syracuse where he retired in 1999. In his leisure he enjoyed Los Angeles Dodgers baseball, Oakland Raiders football, SU football and basketball, listening to Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, John Wayne movies, and family nights at Jeannette’s where he was known as “the dice cop.” Season ticket holder of the Syracuse Chief’s baseball games since 1985, Bob was awarded “Fan of the Year” in 2000. He was a faithful patron of Charlie’s Tavern, Trappers II,American Legion Post 359, and VFW Post 9596 where heenjoyed spending time with friends & family and getting on boards.

Bob was a generous man in a quiet way; very humble and honest. He was a man a few words, but the advice and wisdom he offered was always heard. “Because I’m Bob, and I said so” was one of his favorite answers to life’s problems. He never forgot a birthday and his cards always included scratch-offs, lotto tickets, and candy. Bob was Jessie’s #1 fan in everything she did, even dance recitals (and he never let her live that onedown). Raising her with Dee made him feel on top of the world. Bob was loved by many and will be missed by many more.When tears start to form he’d tell you, “There’s no crying in baseball.” Cheers to you Bob, we love you!

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